I’m sure by now you’ve heard of the new social media app that is making big waves for small business owners worldwide — well the business owners who are lucky enough to be considered part of the in-crowd. Its biggest lure is the exclusivity function. Clubhouse is an invite-only app, which means only friends of a member who is on the app may be invited to join. The caveat is the members are only given a small number of invites.
Clubhouse’s algorithm places certain values on membership and determines whether or not the member is someone who brings value to the clubhouse. This can be shown by hosting clubs, being invited on the stage to contribute meaningfully to rooms in session, the number of friends you have that are already part of the clubhouse, and who you invite to the Clubhouse that also is deemed a valuable member.
Just like any social media app, celebrities can be found in the hallways hosting rooms, giving the members access to opportunities to speak to them personally. People who have not been able to see any real growth on other social media platforms, are experiencing exponential growth in record time. This platform is not like other social media platforms where people are begging for invites — posting their cell phone numbers for everyone to see — in hopes that some nice stranger will add their contact to their phone and invite them to the Clubhouse.
Like anything else, the app does have some issues. Some members have expressed their concern for abuse, since there doesn’t appear to be a way to moderate the content. People are free to express themselves as they see fit and sometimes that results in obscene, lewd, and hateful speech. Although the app’s owners don’t condone any form of hate speech, racism or abuse, they haven’t yet figured out a way to control it. The other danger is for consumers. The platform makes it possible for everyone to tout themselves as experts in their field and to the extent they talk a good game — consumers may be lured — hook, line and sinker.
However, the benefits have been clear for the small business owners. They are able to quickly create communities and a following of listeners who inevitably look to these business owners on the linked platforms, specifically Instagram and Twitter, to further engage with them to purchase their goods and services. Entrepreneurs who tend to be camera shy can shine brightly on this app, which contains no video or picture component. After sitting on zoom sessions all day, it’s refreshing to not have to get out of the bed, get dressed and do your makeup, but to have the freedom to provide value from the comfort of your couch (or wherever you might be). It’s like talking on the phone to one of your friends and having an audience of onlookers fall in love with your knowledge and personality, which turns into more business for you.
