Since being impacted by reorganization and downsizing in the paper
industry, I have joined two organizations designed to help hone my opportunity seeking skills; OPNETX and Career Changers.
I have found that the two groups are complimentary as opposed to competing. Each provides valuable yet different information
and skill development. The thing that I like most about OPNETX is the fact that Jim Barnes helps my networking efforts by
engaging guest speakers who provide perspective from employers' points of view. I feel that this activity is accelerating
my skill in the development of contacts which will help me land in a new opportunity more quickly.
Dennis D –
Fox Cities
Though I am
fairly new at OPNETX, it has already provided me with very helpful resources to use in my upcoming job search. It is also
nice to have a group that understands what it means to be downsized and looking for a new position. Thanks for all that you
do.
Len D. - Fox Cities
I can't thank you enough for the help in my career search that OPNETX has given me. After months of trying
to find a job the traditional way with literally no responses I was ready to quit my search. Attending OPNETX not only gave
me great insight and strategies to approach the job market, but hope. Your networking method has proved itself as I am
now employed by NWTC. The job was never posted and I landed it by employing the informational interview technique. I plan
to continue to attend meetings in the future as there seems to be a "golden nugget" that can gleaned from them.
Adrian G. – Green Bay
Due to a recent family situation, I have been able to attend only one OPNETX meeting.
I was so impressed with the meeting structure, the speaker and the quality of networking opportunities that I fully intend
to participate in future OPNETX meetings. By your contact, I have been introduced to LinkedIn which will be a valuable tool
for my career search. You have my full support in your effort to continue these professional and insightful meetings.
Laurie F. – Fox Cities
OPNETX has proven to be an invaluable resource during my employment campaign.
It provides a venue to meet and exchange ideas with both presenters and other job seekers to uncover concepts and approaches that
work. I have encouraged and receive encouragement from fellow job seekers as the job search extends over a lengthy period
and thus provided additional motivation and drive to uncover the next opportunity. I have discovered current trends
in the job market to better prepare to meet the needs of prospective employers.
I would like to thank you for creating
this unique networking group, and hope and pray that it will continue after you have moved on.
Bob K.
- Fox Cities
I'm a job seeker. For the first
time in my life I am unemployed. I'm a manufacturing professional. I have lived in NEW for 12 years and would like to
spend the remainder of my life here. To do that I need to find employment in manufacturing. Manufacturing is key to the economic
future of NEW. We can't just sell insurance to each other. The OPNETX has been part of my networking foundation. I didn't know how to
network when I became unemployed. OPNTEX has taught me how to network and has help me to create a network. It has helped
me understand the plethora of government organizations that can help me in my job search. Not an easy task. It provides the
occasional emotional pick me up that all job seekers need from time to time. OPNETX is encouraging me to keep my talents and experience
in NEW instead of giving serious consideration to relocation. NEW needs OPNETX. It needs to support it and to make sure it stays true to the
principles of its founder Jim Barnes. "Make it effective, make it accessible, and keep it simple".
Gary H. – Green Bay
I feel the group has offered a psychological advantage in job hunting and dealing
with the loss of a job. Also, the speakers and networking has offered opportunities for knowledge about whatever is
available in the marketplace for jobs. It has been extremely helpful for me, I have made at least three contacts as
a result of the networking with meeting personnel.
Jim M. – Fox Cities
Actually,
the emotional support has been of the greatest benefit for me, in addition, to learning the true reality of "what's
out there today." It is SOOOOOOOOOO easy to get on that slippery slope of discouragement and despair. I
can't even begin to put a price on your service, pertinent presenters and endless encouragement to help keep aflame one's
feelings of worth and value. Thank you so very much...you are appreciated.
Mary S. – Green
Bay
I can contribute that the opportunity to be associated with an organized group,
and a group of which to network for the opportunities not advertised, is immensely helpful.
Yes, entry level jobs get
advertised, but us 'middle management type' displacements, can not do right by our families and our financial obligations
chasing entry level jobs. For positions that appeal to us, 3rd party introductions, such as available within the OPNETX
group is very helpful.
I hope - you can get the funding to put together a meaningful program for our New North market.
Tom M. – Appleton
"The quality of the presentations at the OPNETX meetings has been top notch.
I have enjoyed the insights of the speakers and it has helped me frame my job search. The program is helpful from a standpoint
of learning critical skills, and meeting other attendees has helped because of the moral support we all receive. Jim Barnes
has been particularly generous with his time and guidance in putting these important programs together, and I would be very
grateful for any financial support that would enable the program to continue and expand." Thanks for being so supportive of
me personally, Jim; and best of luck to you in all your future endeavors.
Jeff J. – Green Bay
I have only participated once, but I learned a
lot from yesterdays meeting.I did follow the indications that the
managers should be directly contacted obtaining good results.
Mauricio M. – Green Bay
I highly recommend that financial and administrative support be given to OPNETX!
I lost my job 3 months ago and it’s the first time in my 32 year career I am in this position. OPNETX has provided
me with valuable information in regards to the importance of networking, portraying a positive image, recruiters, groups
and associations, and services your local library has to offer. The weekly meetings have interesting and informative
and it’s a way to network with other members of the group.
Randy G. –
Green Bay
OPNETX has proven to be a positive networking experience for me during my job transition.
While I have been fortunate to have been offered support from a consulting firm (Right Management) on personal assessments,
resume writing tips, negotiating, etc., OPNETX helped fill the gap of real life experiences from others going through a job
transition. The contacts, camaraderie with others and knowledge learned from various speakers has opened
the door and expanded my career search. I have recommended OPNETX as it has proven to be a positive experience
for me and hope that it can continue to help others as well". Thanks for all your hard work and informative meetings.
Carol F. – Appleton
