Come to NoCoNet to embrace transition

Imagine. It’s Monday morning. You roll out of bed, pour a cup of coffee and sit down at the computer to scan the job boards. You find the same dismal array of postings. Feeling a bit depressed, you plop in front of the television. Before you know it, half the day is gone and you have not even showered.

Now, imagine a different scenario. You get up and head out to the Monday morning NoCoNet meeting. You are greeted by friendly faces, listen to a lively speaker, meet with a recruiter and make a coffee date with a new networking contact. You leave the meeting engaged and energized.

NoCoNet was born more than a decade ago by a group of high-tech professionals who were laid off and in need of job-search support. NoCoNet has grown into a rich community resource that serves professionals from a broad range of backgrounds and industries including technology, health care, sales and marketing, human services, government, banking and finance, education and manufacturing.

Stephanie Farrell, NoCoNet president, sees the organization as having a dual purpose of educating and supporting people in career transition as well as providing companies and organizations access to key talent. According to Farrell, “NoCoNet plays a role in the economic development of Northern Colorado by helping talented professionals, who want to work locally connect with businesses that need their particular skill sets.”

It all starts with the Monday morning meeting where 80 to 120 people show up to partake of what NoCoNet has to offer. Farrell is continually impressed by the level of talent in the room. “Our typical members are very skilled, highly experienced, and well-educated mid-career professionals,” she said. “The diversity of experience and backgrounds of our membership enhances opportunities to learn and grow.

“There are real benefits to networking outside our usual circles. The people in your immediate network know the same people you know and they do the same things you do. It is more beneficial for a job seeker to network with people who are one or two steps removed. Weaker connections tend to be more powerful because they can introduce you to different companies and people.”

NoCoNet’s philosophy of networking stresses the importance of giving in order to get. When you take time to review someone’s résumé and provide feedback, make a key introduction, join a NoCoNet committee or simply befriend a new member, you are giving of your time and talents.

The people who embrace the giving aspect of networking are simultaneously building trust and rapport. It is important to remember that networking is not a job-search activity. Networking is a lifelong process of building and maintaining relationships with people who share similar values and interests.

“NoCoNet makes it easy to find ways to give,” Farrell added. “When people lose their jobs, we pay attention to the fact that they have lost their salaries, routines and friends. We sometimes forget to pay attention to the fact that people have also lost the ability to contribute. As a volunteer-powered organization, NoCoNet provides an outlet for those in transition to use their talents and to feel positive about their contribution.”

At every meeting there is an orientation for new members, presentations to refresh job-search skills and an open networking session. Recruiters are often on hand to conduct speed interviewing for open positions.

NoCoNet continues to grow and expand the types of support offered to members. According to Farrell, “The overall vision is that members can take workshops and learn job-search skills from the Larimer County Workforce Center or other resources. Members come to NoCoNet to practice their new skills in a safe, supportive setting. We now provide peer practice groups to help members refine their elevator speeches and interviewing skills or to provide valuable feedback on résumés and cover letters.”

In addition to the support provided to job searchers, NoCoNet partners with a growing number of employers of various sizes and across all industries. NoCoNet committee leaders and members also stay abreast of what is happening at the Rocky Mountain Innosphere, Colorado State University’s Ventures and in the startup sector.

Many organizations now consider NoCoNet a key part of their recruitment strategy. The last NoCoNet career fair, held in January, hosted 25 hiring companies, eight exhibitors and more than 350 attendees. This was not your typical dreary career fair. The vibe in the room was positive and upbeat.

We all recognize the power of networking, but many people still cringe when they hear the word. “You can come to NoCoNet to polish up your networking and job-search skills,” Farrell said. “Don’t feel like you need to be dialed in when you walk in the door. We teach these skills so that you can then go to other networking events or interviews and put your best foot forward.

“NoCoNet really allows you to embrace the transition,” said Farrell. “The stigma of being unemployed goes away because everyone is in a similar situation. NoCoNet is a safe place to broaden your network, share ideas with a diverse group and experiment with what your next step might be.”

Save the date for NoCoNet’s next career fair, which will be held June 24 at Faith Evangelical Free Church, 3920 S. Shields St., Fort Collins. Visit NoCoNet’s website at www.noconet.org for complete details about the upcoming career fair or the weekly meetings.

Carrie Pinsky is a freelance writer, job-search coach and training specialist.

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