Are you in the Clubhouse? It feels somewhat like a private place; Clubhouse, a relatively new app that features an audio-only platform that is by invite only.
With over 10 million users (the app only had 1,500 in March of 2020), the platform launched a beta version available to Android users this May. By the end of May, Clubhouse Android users can finally get access to the audio platform, but with a different experience than their Apple IOS counterpart. The app is still working on making adjustments, including changing your profile name and following a topic.
Unlike a podcast, Clubhouse allows you to step on stage virtually and ask questions of the hosts within your selected topic. These real-time conversations are an excellent way to keep up to date in your industry. If you’re a social media maven, you might just get access to a celebrity, business executive, or politician.
Clubhouse does have competition, as Twitter has launched a similar platform, Spaces, over the last week. The catch is that if you’re on Twitter, you must have at least 600 followers.
One of Twitter’s advantages over Clubhouse is that it maximizes your existing Twitter account, unlike Clubhouse, where you need to start over on the new app.
From my experience, my target audience, students, are not using Twitter anymore.
This semester, I gave out a couple of invites to get their experience using the app. According to Nicole Franklin, a Fashion Merchandising and Retailing student on the Providence Campus, it’s a ‘great way to connect like-minded individuals, young workers entering the industry, long-term professionals, and everyone in between. As a young business owner, Clubhouse allows me to get more insight on what consumers want and look for in a brand as well as tips and tricks on promoting via social media platforms.’
These audio platforms are the place to network and learn as much as possible. Both of these apps are great for audio learners. They are a way to maximize the material you’re learning in class or on the job.
If you can score an invite, take the opportunity to network with professional organizations and look for leaders of your particular industry.
Most recently, the fashion world’s Ted Baker joined Clubhouse in March. Until now, brands have not been able to join Clubhouse, so this is an excellent opportunity for brands big and small to look for talent and develop a culture for their organizations.
Furthermore, Nicole adds in her opinion as a soon-to-be graduate, ‘the fashion industry is all about networking, and I think Clubhouse is going to be essential for young retail professionals entering the workforce.’
If you’re on Clubhouse, find me @kristenregine or on Twitter @kristenregine. I’d love to join you for a virtual real-time conversation or have the chance to join Spaces.