As you know by now Clubhouse, the newest social media platform, is a live audio-only service that’s accessed through an app and was launched in October 2019. Clubhouse facilitates candid and compelling conversations between smart and interesting people and those conversations are intended for members only and are never recorded.

In keeping with its audio format, Clubhouse operates as an endless series of talk radio interviews (or podcasts, if you prefer) and group meetings that invite members to create virtual audio “rooms” and “clubs.” Clubs function to build communities within the platform—-audience development, in other words. Rooms are where audio chats take place and there are three types: Open, Social and Closed. Chats in the Social and Closed rooms are available only to members of the sponsoring club and Open rooms accept all parties.

Rooms are sometimes hosted by those with a following—thought leaders and opinion-makers, celebrities, venture capitalists, journalists and so on, but regular folks are also able to host a room. Each room offers its own format, an audio happening that may primarily attract devoted listeners or might bring in those who look forward to joining a lively discussion. Room events can be either pre-scheduled or surprise pop-ups. Rooms might hold just a small group, perhaps hosted by someone not well-known, while other rooms are led by marquee name players and draw dozens or even hundreds of listeners.

Clubhouse quickly grew in popularity during the early weeks of the coronavirus shutdown. Initially, the app could be downloaded only on Apple phones and membership could be obtained only by an invitation from a current user. The velvet rope policies proved to be a brilliant marketing tactic. Clubhouse became the darling of the A-list elite. Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg were guest speakers. Oprah Winfrey, Mark Cuban, R & B superstar Drake and comedian Chris Rock were said to be members. I first wrote about Clubhouse in February 2021. https://lionessmagazine.com/clubhouse-an-audio-chat-platform-for-beautiful-people/

Clubhouse continues its upward trajectory, especially since Android downloads became possible in May 2021 and invitations to join are no longer needed. According to Quantummarketer.com, there are 10+ million users globally mostly located in the U.S., western Europe, Japan, South Korea and Australia.

Now I’m certain that you find all of this quite fascinating but you may wonder, is this new social media player worth your time? I think yes—-that for B2B service providers and start-up entrepreneurs, Clubhouse has the potential to be useful in your Next Normal networking strategy.

Because interactions are about listening and talking live and IRT, communication is enhanced. Furthermore, the profiles of all room and club participants are available, making the experience feel sort of like a big conference call, where everyone on the phone is vetted and circumstances confer a degree of credibility and trust. At least some people may feel comfortable enough to chance off-line conversations and open the door to building a relationship.

Time must be invested and goals defined, as is true with other marketing activities. Key word searches that describe your goals will help to locate clubs and rooms to visit. Develop a good profile (because it matters) and step in.

Look for room topics that will expose you to recognized experts in your field, to help yourself deepen and expand your knowledge and therefore enhance your credibility. Get the heads-up on developing trends on the horizon in your field. Raise your hand, ask questions and share experiences or insights that are relevant to the discussion. Become a regular, get known and facilitate relationship building. Popular clubs that might appeal to Freelancers and others in business are listed below.

But remember that Clubhouse is not about making sales, but about listening to insightful conversations and contributing to the discussion by sharing your own wisdom. By being an active, friendly, generous participant your networking can take you to any number of paths and can yield many tangible and intangible benefits. You can even choose an appealing topic yourself and host a room every now and again, to work on building a following of your own. You might even find a mentor or be inspired to become one.

Community Club’s main purpose is make Clubhouse a welcoming place for everyone. It’s the best club for growing a Clubhouse community. Members mainly talk about Clubhouse features, support topics and onboarding newbies.

Bitcoin is the biggest club about cryptocurrency on Clubhouse. Some members who are real professionals on Bitcoin, heavy hitters. Visitors will find open, friendly and enlightening conversations about Bitcoin technology, markets, culture and the ecosystem.

Creative Executive Officers is a guide to the business of creativity for artists and entrepreneurs. Topics are mainly about business advice, entrepreneurship and education. 

Future of Work is where to discuss earning a living—entrepreneurship, creator economy, gig economy, freelancing, creatives, startups, venture capital, business, tech, AI, health, wellness, personal development, the hustle and the self-employed.

The Hustler Club “Your daily dose of motivation” is where hard-charging entrepreneurs, hustlers and creatives discuss ideas and have from-the-trenches style conversations.

Marketing Club features conversations about marketing, advertising and making the most of Instagram. Group members are marketers, creators and verified experts. 

Start-up Club is the largest of the clubs and introduces impressive and successful start-up stars who share their secrets. You’ll meet founders, entrepreneurs, angel and VC investors.

Stock Market Moves welcomes experienced, successful stock traders and those who want to become just that.

Tech Talks. is said to not be your normal tech community. It is group for diverse individuals from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds, industries and departments. Their main purpose is bringing together a group of people to talk about the good, the bad, the technical and business side of tech.

Women in Business is the largest women’s club and they are committed to empowering women in all sectors of business. and entrepreneurship.

Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for reading,

Kim

Image: © Keystone-France/Gamma Rapho. Pirate radio hosts on the ship Caroline were rescued and brought to at the police station after the ship ran aground at Frinton-on-Sea, UK on January 20, 1966.