Community Is the New Networking- Here's Why

When I first started out in my career, the word “networking” conjured up awkward events, bad wine, overly firm handshakes, and something that never really felt authentic.

Thankfully, things have shifted. These days, fewer people network, and more people build community. Real community that feels human, grounded, and valuable. And while it would be ideal to be doing this in person, it can be just as meaningful when done from afar, online.

In a learning group I’m part of, there’s a quiet but powerful kind of momentum happening. We’re all women running our own small ecommerce businesses in wellness, lifestyle, gifts, skincare, and home goods. And while our brands are different, the challenges are often the same.

So while we’re each trying to navigate the complex world of ecommerce, we’ve also found something just as important: each other.

We connect over Messenger. We check in, share advice, vent when needed, and cheer each other on. No agendas, just a genuine intention to help.

We swap packaging suppliers. We test each other’s websites. We troubleshoot email flows, rethink shipping policies, and celebrate every new stockist. We know what it’s like when sales are slow, when algorithms change, or when an ad finally gains traction. And we know that a lot of running a small business is simply showing up, again and again (and again! 😉 ).

This kind of support isn’t networking. It’s community. It’s a reminder that building something of your own, especially online and especially from scratch, doesn’t have to be isolating. It’s okay to lean on others. In fact, it’s essential. When one of us wins, we all feel it.

Below, I've shared the work of three amazing women-led businesses from this small circle. They’re building something thoughtful and intentional. So if you're looking to support women-run, Australian-based brands, these are worth bookmarking:

huntedandco.com
A sister-run, carefully curated collection designed to add beauty and character to how you live, gift, and express yourself.
Eco-Friendly, Toxin-Free Essentials – The Living Co.
Premium, eco-friendly products to make clean living enjoyable.
Wicks Intimates - elegant solutions for light bladder leaks and period
Elegant, absorbent lingerie for every stage of life.

Whether you’re just starting out, growing something slowly, or simply looking to do a little good with your support, community is the part no one really teaches you about. But once you find it, it changes everything.