3 Lessons From A Month On Clubhouse
I’ve personally been on Clubhouse for about a month now and here are some of my thoughts and insights about one of the most exclusive, sought after, invite-only social media platforms making waves right now.
Learn to Walk First
I’m a 36 year old millennial whose traversed the tech lands of dial-up internet and AOL Instant Messenger as a teenager. Since then, I’ve grown up with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social apps that have become the fabric of the way we connect and communicate with those around us.
I thought getting on Clubhouse would be super simple. It wasn’t. I had to wait to get an invite (to a platform I didn’t even fully understand what it was) and once I did get the elusive invite, my Android phone didn’t support it!
What I’ve gathered from a month on Clubhouse is to learn how to walk first. Learn not only WHAT the platform is (and what it isn’t) and HOW it actually works. I joined a few “welcome to clubhouse” rooms when I first got on the platform to actually figure out what the heck was going on and it really helped.
Clubhouse is not like other platforms. Not all rooms and clubs are created equally and for everyone. You need to find your people and find your voice first before you can start contributing and engaging with others.
Navigating Clubs and Rooms
I must admit, I was pretty intimidated the first few times I logged into Clubhouse. I didn’t know what clubs or rooms I was supposed to be in or even how to find them. Luckily, my mentor who got me on Clubhouse in the first place was super supportive and gave me a quick crash course.
I followed all the same topics she did and joined all the same clubs as they were topics we both had in common and I knew I’d be interested in them AND have something to contribute should I get the opportunity to speak.
I’m still finding my way into other clubs and rooms trying to “find my people”. There are some topics that have plenty of established clubs and rooms such as those wanting to talk with small business owners or chat about marketing strategies and content generation. Other areas such as identity (i.e. LGBTQ+ rooms) are still finding their footing in terms of specific focus and leadership.
Rooms and clubs are forming every day, it is part of the appeal of Clubhouse. It keeps you coming back onto the platform to see what’s new- it’s the refresh FOMO. You are continuously wondering what is new, who is new on Clubhouse since the last time you logged in. It’s one of the draws that keeps most people coming back to all forms of social media- the refresh FOMO.
Set Boundaries
Like all technology, especially social media, setting boundaries is key. Given this is a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week platform there is ALWAYS something happening, somewhere around the world. Be kind to yourself and allow for space away from the platform just like you do (or should be doing) with any other social media app.
Since Clubhouse is audio only, it’s easy to fit it in during work hours as you would do a podcast or while on a walk or at the gym. But I urge you to not do that. I urge you to be active with the discussion fully, holistically and intentionally.
When you divide your attention, you can rarely do any one single thing as well as doing 4 things at once. We are not computers, humans need connection, interaction and focus as our little cavepeople brain can indeed NOT do 4 things at once.
Be intentional with your time and attention. Always ask yourself: is this technology using me or am I using it?
If you haven’t watched the Social Dilemma on Netflix, give it a look. It’ll make you really question your relationship with technology and I gotta be honest, I’m really glad I’m thinking more critically about this now after a year in lock down and a lot of media binged.
Parting Words...
Clubhouse is an amazing tool for authentic and valuable connection and education. I believe Clubhouse will be the new “professional” social media platform and will work alongside LinkedIn to showcase a person’s brand.
You will use LinkedIn to show your experience, connect and message people. You will use Clubhouse to show your impact, value and thought contribution to humanize what a person can read about you on LinkedIn.
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com
