Anyone who’s had a screenful of Zoom may be relieved to hear about the no-screen alternative – Clubhouse. (Unless you’re on Android as it’s not available on there yet).
What is it?
Just landed in Europe, with 2m global users and rising (119,000+ downloads already here in the UK), the app is creating a buzz by cleverly limiting access to invite-only (remember VIP lists?) and targeting early-adopters from the worlds of entertainment, media and marketing. Due to its Silicon Valley origins, the vibe is entrepreneurial.
Similar to the rooms-and-spaces concepts seen on other platforms, this app is audio-only. You can eavesdrop on conversations that cover a multitude of topics from anime to current affairs to arts collaborations with musicians and singers.
And if you want to get involved in the conversation, simply tap the hand icon next to the mute button. Use this to signal to the room moderators (they have a green star below their profile pic) that you want to speak. They will then invite you up.
So, what’s in it for agency owners?
I mention agencies because that’s my world but I think the benefits can be applied to many other businesses as well. From talking to other newbies on our first female agency founder chat last night, there are three discoveries:
- You can network. Hurrah! Let’s face it, we’re all bored sh**less. It’s time to get out there and make new connections.
- You can network while doing other things. Audio-only means you can multi-task to your heart’s content, as you would when catching up on your favourite podcast.
- The sound is excellent. Whether you’re in New Dehli or New York, the audio is clear, and you “feel” like you’re in the same room. Also, these events aren’t recorded so there’s a freshness to the experience – similar to the serendipity of a good conversation.
It’s even more attractive for female agency owners
No hair and make-up! You don’t even need your “Zoom” suit. All you need to focus on is who you want to meet and what you want to say.
Networking COVID-style
The fluidity of the format (thanks to the excellent “leave quietly” function) also means you don’t have to be stuck with the wrong person or feel you’re boring the pants off someone who’s stuck with you!
However…
Like all shiny, new social media things, it’s a time-suck. No getting away from it. You will need to dedicate some time to play with it and find out how it might suit you from a personal branding or business perspective.
Got an invite to Clubhouse? Here are some tips
Get involved – sounds bloody obvious, but this platform demands you jump right in. Its novelty means there are plenty of clubrooms in there willing to help. There is no compulsion to speak, but if you’re a business owner looking to make connections the main benefit of Clubhouse will come from getting involved.
Use a decent profile pic and write your bio – you’re networking, so make sure your virtual name badge is pumped and primed.
Know your mute button – as we know from Zoom, background noise is a no-no, so make sure you know where it is (bottom right corner of the app) and keep yourself on mute when you’re not speaking.
Follow and connect – it’s very easy to make connections. Simply click on a profile photo and you can read their bio, see their connections and interests and follow them.
Get your team to play with it
Could Clubhouse be of benefit for workflow, clients, team break-outs or brainstorms, or to deepen engagements with others in your networking sphere? There’s only one way to find out.
Join the club
Rather like those early days of Insta, it’s exciting to be on a new platform. Let me know what you find.
I’m co-hosting Women Leading Marketing & Comms Agencies every Thursday at 5pm on Clubhouse with Gay Flashman,CEO of Formative Content and a whole host of other amazing businesswomen. Come and join in.
If you’d like any further tips or advice, then drop me a line on or WhatsApp me on 07866 236242.
