In this article, I wanted to talk about how Clubhouse can help your business. If you’ve always avoided making videos because you’re not comfortable on camera, the perfect social media platform may have just been invented for you – Clubhouse.
It’s fairly new – released in March 2020 – but, it’s gaining traction fast. And, I think it could be a game-changer for your business.
What is Clubhouse?
Basically, Clubhouse is a collection of chat rooms, but audio rather than typing. Like a podcast, but live. Also, like a virtual event, but audio only. Or, like listening in to people’s juicy conversations – I just love it!
When you log on, you can choose from a heap of rooms with all sorts of topics going on. You can sit in the ‘audience’ and listen, and you can even put up your hand to be invited on ‘stage’ to speak.
You can even create your own room to discuss your own topic, interview people, whatever you like!
It’s not recorded, so people feel more comfortable speaking and just have a more authentic conversation than has been possible on other social platforms. After COVID and our isolation from each other, it’s no wonder that Clubhouse has gone off.
Even better, you don’t need fancy equipment – just your iPhone.
Right now it’s in Beta mode, so it’s invitation only and it’s only on iPhone. But they’re working on an Android app as we speak and invitations are pretty easy to get.
More people join the platform every day and are given a number of invites to give out. So, ask your network – you’ll probably find someone who is on Clubhouse and understand how Clubhouse can help your business.
Using Clubhouse for business
I reckon this platform is an amazing chance for you to establish yourself or your brand without direct selling like a dodgy car salesman.
Networking
You can connect with and actually talk to people you wouldn’t otherwise be able to. This is more than a connection on LinkedIn – it’s real conversation in real time. You can get advice or discuss partnerships with the right people in your industry.
Even Elon Musk has been on there, discussing his plans for Mars, while chosen audience members ask him questions. (Not everyone gets to speak – the moderator will give select people that opportunity.)
Brand building
Direct selling doesn’t really work on this platform, but you can build your brand by telling your story, giving advice, getting feedback, running focus groups and just being really helpful.
People will start following you and get notified when you’re speaking.
Connecting with customers
You can set up a regular room and help people with problems. They will quickly discover who you are and what you do.
You could create a private room to give exclusive access or public rooms that anyone can enter.
Sponsoring rooms
Some brands are even sponsoring rooms. It’s a good way to let people know who you are and start following you.
How to start
Once you join, complete your bio, including the right keywords, so interested people will find you in a search.
Start checking out some rooms that appeal to you or align with what you do. Find out how it all works. (Beware – you can fall down the rabbit hole and lose a lot of time in some fascinating discussions!)
If you join smaller rooms, you’re more likely to get asked ‘on stage’ – the moderator will allow you to speak. People will start following you if they think you provide value.
Then you can consider creating a room and your followers will get notified whenever you speak, so they can jump into the room. But don’t hog the limelight – when other people are on stage with you, their followers are notified and they might end up following you too!
Negatives
As with all platforms, there are some downsides to watch out for:
- bullying and harassment
- misinformation being spread in rooms
- smart people figuring out how to record the conversation
- accessibility issues for people with hearing loss (no live captions yet)
- varying quality depending on people’s phones.
Making money on Clubhouse
This platform is only in its infancy, so who knows where it’ll go. They are working on ways for creators to get paid, such as event tickets and subscriptions. In future, you’ll probably be able to run paid workshops and even conferences.
But now is definitely the best time to jump in because it’s still exclusive. As with all platforms, once everyone is allowed in there, it will get noisier and harder to be noticed.
Now that you know how Clubhouse can help your business, I recommend snagging yourself an invite and checking it out for yourself.
Want to know more?
Contact me if you have any questions or to inquire about working with me.