MOVE OVER FACEBOOK AND LINKEDIN: HAVE YOU JOINED CLUBHOUSE YET?
The new social network based on voice is gaining in popularity.
If you haven’t heard already, Clubhouse, an audio-only app was launched online last year just as the pandemic was announced globally and restrictions were implemented worldwide. Founders Rohan Seth and Paul Davison certainly timed that well. Since early 2020, the app has slowly gained traction, building up a loyal fanbase of millions. Membership was first only extended to a select few, then opened via an invitation-only program and eventually expanded access to all iPhone owners and then Android users. However, all users need an invite so you will need to be connected to someone already on Clubhouse to get you in.
For the uninitiated, Clubhouse gives you a platform to listen in on discussions or start your own discussion with people across the globe. These discussions can be on just about any topic, relevant to only your discussion’s participants or to a wider network of participants. As a user gets more active on the app, they get invites to send out to others to join. The best part is, unlike other social media, Clubhouse is not a visual medium so there is no necessity for pictures of products, branding shots for services, or any other imagery. For those who detest creating visual content, this is the new alternative.
There are opportunities aplenty for public speaking, sharing your expertise with others, networking with new and old contacts, marketing your services and products, building your brand, or gleaning the latest on industry trends on Clubhouse. Many liken the experience to being at one big open conference with a multitude of stages, speakers, breakout rooms, sessions, etc. Scrolling through a list of discussions, one can choose to enter a room to listen to speakers sharing on that topic. Not interested? Simply leave quietly–yes, that is an option. Like what you hear? Then, stay, listen, and maybe host a related session as a moderator.
Of course, there is etiquette attached to participating as a moderator, speaker or attendee so wait around a few discussions in Clubhouse to see how events are generally hosted. Positively use an appropriate profile image –it is the only visual you get to share so ensure it is aligned with your branding. The platform also allows linking to only two social media channels–Instagram and Twitter–so if those are the two other social media channels you are active on then you can expect some synergy in your efforts.
This is a great app for those who do not want to invest in creating visual content all the time but are still interested in producing quality content. It is equally fantastic for interaction and networking as well as feedback and support from industry colleagues. And it all happens in real time as once a discussion is over; it ceases to exist on the platform so there is no recorded play later. Where all other networking platforms have targeted the visual aspect heavily, Clubhouse has chosen to focus on the audio, and that sets it apart.
Having clarity on why you are using the app is important—is it for networking or building your brand, adding to your speaking experience, or finding like-minded individuals in the same field for a new project? This will determine where and how you participate on Clubhouse. Though this is a great platform for some free publicity and promotion, remember to keep your interactions brief and bring value to any discussion. As with any such social network, the idea is to build meaningful relationships.
So, follow other users and see what they offer. The calendar on your profile shows you any upcoming events planned so if you RSVP and hit the bell icon then you’ll receive a message as that room begins. Join a few clubs, listen to and participate in conversations, and enjoy being part of Clubhouse. If you need a primer on how to work the app to your advantage, make time to attend one of the orientation sessions offered by some of the clubs and this just might become your go-to social networking app.