Clubhouse is a new global social network for group conversations via audio-only – no videos here. Hosts open “rooms” focused around specific topics or interests, where moderators and speakers, and others lead dynamic conversations for the audience to listen in on.
I’ve been part of the platform since the earliest days and have found it to be a fascinating and useful tool! The diversity of people is one of the biggest draws for me. Among the predicted 10 million users in February, there are people from all industries, and corners of the world. I’m following people from across the globe, including Japan, China, Australia, UK, Germany, France, Turkey, Brazil, Canada, India, and beyond.
As of February 2021, you need an invitation to join, and each member has only 4-8 invites to share. Thus, everyone in Clubhouse is likely to be from the inner circle of another member, ensuring a high quality of membership.
The quality of information being shared is also quite valuable. What would normally be a high-ticket webinar or in-person keynote speech is now open and free on Clubhouse. In these socially-distanced times, it’s a great replacement for conferences or in-person events.
Here are my favorite aspects of Clubhouse, thus far:
Clubhouse is all audio
In a world of Zoom meetings, Instagram Live, and YouTube channels, it’s freeing to be able to connect without the self-consciousness of a video camera involved. Truth be told, I’ve loved the multi-tasking opportunities this provides. I’ve been known to wash dishes while listening in on a conversation in Clubhouse – something I’d never be able to do in a webinar!
Panels aplenty
It’s lovely to connect and collaborate with like-minded people on an impromptu conversation. There’s a different sharing of ideas that happens in panels, as opposed to the rehearsed presentations of solo-speaking. You can choose how involved you are, either as a panelist, moderator, or audience, which allows for nice flexibility. And if one room isn’t holding your interest, you can bounce around until you find “your place.”
A place for everyone
New rooms are being opened rapidly, so you can find one for just about any industry or interest. The spectrum is endless… interior design and architecture, venture capital and angel investing, property ownership, personal development, wellness, entrepreneurship, and beyond. Whatever you’re into, you’re sure to find several rooms that pique your passion. And if not, you can always open one of your own!
Grow and/or amplify your presence
It’s a great way to establish your expertise and stand out as a thought-leader in your field, attract a new audience, or network and build connections with industry insiders or potential clients to boost your business. You are just as likely to find yourself in a room with well-known celebrities sharing trade secrets as you are to stumble upon an up-and-comer with fresh new ideas to chat about.
Be an early adopter
Clubhouse is still in beta mode, so this is a rare chance to get in on a growing social media enterprise and establish yourself before it becomes over-saturated. I will warn you, though, it can become a bit addictive! It’s also early enough that it’s not saturated with ads and upsells, which I’m sure, in time, will come.
It’s an information economy
Instead of focusing on generating FOMO-inducing imagery or perfectly manicured lifestyles, people on Clubhouse are there to exchange ideas, information, and education.
Voice-only voyeurism
If you shy away from the spotlight and prefer to be a fly on the wall, this is a great way to be “in the room” and learn from the people leading the discussion, but maintain a low profile.
At the moment, Clubhouse is only available on Apple devices, which can be a drawback for people on other systems. But if you have the right technology, I cannot recommend joining Clubhouse highly enough.
And if you do, be sure to find me there, @LaurenceCarr! I’m often found hosting, moderating, or speaking in rooms and would love to connect with you!
