What is Clubhouse? This month we have been learning all about the new kid on the social media block: Clubhouse. An audio-based social media app, Clubhouse's creators believe that it will become the conduit through which people connect, develop ideas, engender friendships and enjoy worldwide communication.   How does it work?

• Firstly, register your name. Sooner rather than later, if possible. If Clubhouse is as successful as its owners claim, then reserving your preferred handle would be a prudent move. 
• Next, gain an invite. These are only available through people already registered on the platform. This process is necessary as Clubhouse's infrastructure could not currently support millions of users flooding the app.
• Once invited, set up your bio and select your favourite subjects of interest, such as marketing or entrepreneur. Sit back and listen to a room such as "The Daily Habits of High Performers" or "Winning Secrets for Instagram". When a club or individual is followed, phone screen notifications will periodically appear so that you can then jump in and out of discussion rooms. 

Why would I want to join? If you love audiobooks, podcasts or talk radio, then this could be the platform for you. As the app expands, more and more rooms are available to join and, ideally, plenty of suitable choices for the user. Clubhouse has drawn its fair share of celebrity drop-ins, including Grant Cardone, Gary Vaynerchuk, Drake, Kevin Hart and even Oprah!   You can segue in and out of different chats on a wide range of subjects, rather like a free-flowing podcast. You can listen or choose to add in your thoughts, advice or opinions.    Clubhouse Rules There's no recording of any room discussions as the platform's entire premise is that it's live. There's also zero tolerance for hate speech, bullying etc.   

Pros

▶️It's potentially a great way to network, gain insight into expert experiences, enjoy panel discussions and choose from those areas which interest you.  ▶️Clubhouse serves up content based on who's following you rather than who you are following, which turns other social media platforms on their head.  ▶️ Users are rewarded with more invites according to their time on the platform and who is engaging with them.

▶️ It's highly business-centric, so there's plenty of value available and potential to speak or connect 1:1 with CEOs of big companies/organizations in your industry.    

Cons

⏸ You have to be invited to join.

⏸ Use your invites wisely and think about who you are inviting, as once they are on the platform, your name is then associated with their bio.

⏸ It's only available on iOS, i.e. Apple iPhone users.

⏸ It still appears to be in its clunky Beta stages at times with no opportunity to 'like' a speaker, only 'follow.'

⏸ Clubhouse is transient as conversations are not saved. If you miss a room discussion, then it's gone.   Used Clubhouse yet? We would be delighted to hear about your experiences or if you have any comments or observations on this brand new social media platform.