There’s a new app in town that has everyone buzzing, and for good reason. If you haven’t heard of Clubhouse, or are not yet on it, I’m here to tell you not only what it is, but why it’s important to be a part of this groundbreaking platform.

The year 2020 will forever be synonymous with COVID-19, but along with the pandemic came Clubhouse which launched at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020. Currently, an invite-only app for iOS users (sorry Android, you still have to wait) this engaging platform gives users the opportunity to both listen and learn all while networking with others, both personally and professionally.

Think of Clubhouse as a modern-day radio interview, the conversations are happening live, in real-time. The difference here though is you can choose to spend your time in a particular room as a listener, join in on the conversation, or host your own room discussion, the choice is yours. To actively participate while in someone else’s room all you need to do is “raise” your hand and wait for the host to invite you to speak.

Gone are the days of having to call in, hoping to get through to ask a question, with Clubhouse once you’re in the room how you navigate it is up to you. Some rooms are larger than others, with upwards of 1500+ listening at one time. Now just envision all of those people listening to what you have to share. There are also smaller rooms that offer a much more intimate feeling, either way, you’re connecting with like-minded individuals who share similar interests.

Because the rooms are tailored to specific interests, as you become more familiar with the app you’ll find yourself navigating through and following the rooms that align with your preferences. Another advantage to popping into a room, besides the opportunity to listen in on live conversations, is the chance to discover and start following some awesome people, and from there you’ll be able to see other rooms they’re speaking in. There’s also a good possibility of engaging with some very successful, big-name individuals. Now, where else can you find that type of opportunity?

While other social media platforms allow you to follow the people you’re interested in, the chances of asking questions and having those answered, as well as having a conversation aren’t as high as they are on Clubhouse. For anyone who is skeptical of investing their time in a platform where the content does not live on, don’t be. The potential of its impact is what you should be focusing on.

Despite the fact the information is fleeting, you still have the advantage of reaching a large audience who are tuning in to what you have to say, along with the opportunity to gain some new followers. That right there is key for any business, especially start-up company’s looking to make a name for their brand or an impact in their field.

Along with listening and participating in rooms hosted by other users, the opportunity to host your own room, based on the topic of your choice, is easily created with the tap of a button. You can invite friends and/or colleagues to join, or leave it open, as the creator it’s up to you. Rooms can also, be hosted right away or scheduled for a specific date and time.

Once you’ve hosted three regularly scheduled rooms, you can start your own “club” which essentially is a recurring series of rooms geared towards a more defined community. One important note to keep in mind, you cannot own a topic that’s already in use; this is where creativity, and possibly help from your PR team can come into play.

At JMG PR, not only are we a part of Clubhouse, we have begun incorporating it into the overall PR strategy plan for our clients. In our efforts to establish clients as thought leaders within their respective industries, Clubhouse is another platform where we can build on the process through guest speaking opportunities within other “clubs,” as well as having our clients host their own rooms.

If you’re still on the fence as to whether Clubhouse is right for your business, here are some thoughts to consider:

• You can learn from industry experts - The broad range of topics available can help build or strengthen your business.

• Seek or share free advice - As you explore the app you’ll come across business leaders you admire. Use this as an opportunity to solicit feedback on your brand or product. Or maybe you just want a second opinion on a business idea. Whether you participate in a particular room or start your own, the opportunity for free advice is there.

• Great networking tool - Especially now, when meeting up in person has been extremely difficult, and almost non-existent, still being able to connect with others is extremely important. Networking events might be on hold but the ability to connect can still carry on.

• Stay up to date - Along with following other influential people, Clubhouse allows you to stay on top of current news and trends related to your industry. Knowing what the competition is up to helps you in staying one step ahead.

• Build awareness - Has your business launched a new product or feature that you want to share with others? Clubhouse is a great spot to create a room and make that announcement. In building brand awareness, not only can you showcase your newest project or product, you can generate a meaningful discussion around it.

Like any other social media tool, Clubhouse can become addicting, so before getting started define your goals. What topics will help enhance your business? As you explore all of the various rooms, ask yourself, what it is you want to get out of them, and then decide which ones will be most beneficial to spend your time in. Of course, it’s always a good idea to explore as you begin your journey on Clubhouse.