Professional networking has long been a key component of doing business in security. Today, social and professional networking websites spring up and gain worldwide popularity seemingly overnight, and it’s necessary to build strong networks that effectively use resources such as Twitter or LinkedIn. Add to that the fact that the face of the security is changing, and it’s now more important than ever to create these supportive networks. Enter: the Women’s Security Council (WSC).

The WSC offers networking and mentoring support to women in the security industry through a wide range of online professional networking tools complemented by in-person events at trade shows.

Last Friday, I interviewed Rhianna Daniels, founding committee member of the WSC, live on Twitter: SDM’s first Twinterview. If you missed it, you can read the transcript below to learn more about this initiative. Since launching in April at ISC West, the WSC has grown quickly. And, as we learned during this Twinterview, there is much more to come.

@SDMmagazine:

What is the primary purpose of the WSC? #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

WSC is dedicated to ensuring + promoting the professional success of women in the security industry. #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

WSC provides an avenue in which women can network, mentor + introduce newcomers to the market. #SDMtwinterview

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@WS_Council You’re one of the co-founders of WSC. How was the group born? #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

It started as a small idea. We saw a lack of support 4 the women N the industry + other colleagues felt similar #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

There was, and is, a definite need for a group to educate, mentor + promote the role of women in security. #SDMtwinterview

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@WS_Council Why did you feel it was important for women in the security industry to develop their own dedicated network? #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

A strong support network is critical to furthering your career + finding success in today’s marketplace #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

WSC provides women with the opportunity to build contacts within a focused environment to enable success #SDMtwinterview

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@WS_Council How can security professionals become involved with the WSC? #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

There are a number of ways! First, we offer 3 levels of individual membership. Details @ http://bit.ly/oryf86 #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

We also offer opportunities 4 corporate entities 2 get involved by sponsoring WSC events http://bit.ly/ruOYwx #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

Also, WSC is run + managed by a volunteer leadership group. We are always looking 4 more people 2 get involved! #SDMtwinterview

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@WS_Council The WSC is celebrating a new launch this week. Can you tell us about that? #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

We are very excited to introduce the WSC Web site this week http://bit.ly/oryf86 #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

In addition 2 info about WSC, the site offers an online community 2 foster networking + community participation #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

 In the coming weeks, we’ll go live with our online membership portal 4 members to activate membership online #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

And we'll continue to add functionality to make it truly interactive + valuable to the professional community. #SDMtwinterview

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@WS_Council The WSC also sends out monthly e-newsletters. What kind of information are you looking to provide to members? #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

The eWSC newsletter provides info on WSC but we’re also highlighting members with member spotlights + articles #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

We want it to be informative and educational but also engaging by providing real-world success stories #SDMtwinterview

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@WS_Council What are you working on now? #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

We're finalizing our online membership portal + planning the 1st eWSC Webinar + our next event at ISC Solutions #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

We’ll also introduce our WSC Women of the Year awards. There's much to come + we're excited about the future #SDMtwinterview

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@WS_Council Twitter, e-newsletters, webinars, a new website — impressive web presence. Is your focus on online networking? #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

We've been busy! But yes, online networking is critical + a huge part of everyone’s professional lives #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

To be successful, WSC needs a robust online presence to enable members to engage the community when needed #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

Overall, networking is critical to our success + we'll continue to host in-person events at ISC events #SDMtwinterview

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@WS_Council The WSC launched at this year’s ISC West show. Where do you see the Council by #ISCW12? #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

We plan to have a lot to offer by #ISC12. Most importantly, WSC will continue 2 grow + evolve with the industry #SDMtwinterview

@WS_Council:

We will be a group that supports + promotes the successful women in the security industry 4 many years 2 come #SDMtwinterview

Twitter gives us at SDM a unique opportunity to talk to industry leaders live while bringing our readers into the conversation. Send us your feedback, questions you’d like to see answered via Twinterview, or your own story about how online networking is changing your business at gasullas@bnpmedia.com