LESSONS LEARNED // A STRAIGHT SHOT AT WHY CLUBHOUSE IS THE BEST APP ON MY PHONE RIGHT NOW.
I could write a very lengthy article about the pros/cons of clubhouse, provide a glossary of terms like “rooms” or “hallways” etc. But instead here’s some straight honest thoughts from someone who uses the app every day.
I was introduced to Clubhouse back in January by a good mate of mine: Jason Domingues. At first I was quite apprehensive and thought to myself: “another social platform that was basically a conference call?? I hate talking on the phone! Why the hell would I waste my time on this app?” Jason took the time to explain everything to me on how it worked, how to fill out a bio, etc. But even after a comprehensive crash course I was still not even remotely hyped on this whole scenario…until I gave it a real chance.
A quick/dirty way to explain the app: Clubhouse is a platform that has essentially taken a podcast and made it interactive. You can sit and listen to real conversation in real time or you can choose to participate. You can also bounce around between conversations until you find one you’re really into. This takes some getting used to but I believe in you :)
The best analogy I can come up with to getting the benefits out of clubhouse is learning how to drive. You have to go through some awkward steps and learn a new language to fully reap the rewards. BUT once you get passed all of the kinks and hurdles its a fantastic tool, just like a car.
here’s a few peeks at the Clubhouse interface. It’s cute right?
OKAY TRAVIS. COOL. BUT GIVE US SOME INFORMATION.
WE LIKE INFORMATION.
HOW THE PLATFORM WORKS/
A moderator opens a room and people join.
Until people have been granted access to the stage- the moderator is the only one with the ability to speak to everyone.
Once people are on stage the conversation begins. Now people are talking, and people are listening. It’s that simple. THAT IS LITERALLY THE ENTIRE APP.
THERE’S SOME BASIC ETIQUETTE YOU SHOULD FOLLOW/
If you have something to say raise your hand. Don’t be bummed if you’re not brought on stage- not everyone can be talking about everything.
When you’re first brought up to stage your mic is unmuted. Mute that bad boy immediately to avoid interrupting the conversation.
There’s no visual cue that you want to talk so don’t be a jerk- wait your turn, don’t talk over people, etc. The stage can very easily become a war zone if people don’t play by the rules of common courtesy.
Treat these conversations like you would an IRL conversation. Sometimes people go on for days and talk in circles. It’s annoying as hell. Give other people a chance to get some words in.
If you agree with someone and want them to know it- tap your mic on/off multiple times- this is called “clapping” its cute.
THINGS CLUBHOUSE HAS TAUGHT ME/
Instagram is important. Since there’s no photos in Clubhouse- the first thing people do is go to your instagram to get a feel who you are and what you’re about. I’ve been fighting the importance of instagram for awhile now- and thanks to clubhouse I’m taking instagram a little more serious these days.
I actually miss talking to people. This open platform has filled a void of conversing with other creatives about all kinds of things since the beginning of the pandemic, and has actually warmed me up a little in terms of how I speak/interact with others. This app couldn’t have landed at a better time.
There is so much more to my industry than I thought. I’ve worked for loads of humans in the past, but I’ve never had access to 10 people in multiple cities/markets at the same time. My perspective on almost every aspect of the creative industry has changed drastically. I’m learning ALOT. It’s incredible.
We’re all just humans. People are actually VERY receptive to questions if you’re willing to ask. This is a really competitive profession but that doesn’t mean people aren’t willing to help you in order to elevate the industry as a whole.
Communication is important. I’ve been practicing all kinds of speaking techniques, learning how to steer conversation, refining my creative pitch, and overall improving the way I speak thanks to being on clubhouse nearly every day.
MY FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT CLUBHOUSE/
Real conversations with real people. (Once you get passed the egos/awkwardness) This app happens in real time, not in the past.
Rubbing (virtual) shoulders with people I look up to (and meeting loads of new amazing humans) asking them questions about almost anything, and getting real answers in real time.
Adding QUALITY humans to my network. Resulting in jobs, friendships, and expanding my horizons about the industry and other markets. This app is networking made easy, and has removed the awkwardness of initiating a conversation. It’s brilliant.
I’ve learned some highly applicable lessons through conversations with shooters, reps, producers, etc. There’s so much knowledge out there, and this platform makes it even easier to get the answer you want/need.
Your personal following doesn’t matter whatsoever. In order to really gain from clubhouse you need to follow as many people as you can. The algorithm shows you new rooms based on your interests, and the rooms that the people you follow are currently in. The more people you follow, the more variety you have access to. Simple as that.
SOME OF MY FAVORITE RECURRING ROOMS/CLUBS
Photographer2Photographer- This club was formed by Maarten de Boer as a place where likeminded humans can come together and have straight conversation. Sometimes it’s about work, sometimes it’s about where the best tacos in LA are. All I know is that the humans I’ve spent hours with in this club are some of the most talented shooters out there, and some of my favorite humans to converse with.
WTF is happening in photo with Shaughn Crawford and John DuBois- These dudes are dope and they have a guest every week and topics vary by guest. Most recently they had on Art Streiber, and Joe Pugliese. The conversations have been great!
Breaking into Commercial Photography with Mathieu Young and Annika Howe- These two basically just talk to anyone with questions for a couple of hours every week and provide valuable information to those who need it. I’ve learned a lot in this room.
Office hours with Amy V. Cooper- Amy is a legend and often will bring in a guest and opens up the floor for questions regarding whatever area of the industry they’re discussing at the time. A very valuable hour every week indeed.
THINGS ON CLUBHOUSE THAT I LOVE TO HATE ON/
This is ___ and I’m done speaking.
NFT’s (ugh)
Overly-Moderated rooms- real conversation doesn’t have a set structure so it’s awkward when this happens, but sometimes it’s needed.
There’s no headphone integration with unmuting/muting mic. Meaning in order to talk you have to open your phone and hit the mic icon to speak. Pretty annoying when you’re up on a ladder painting and someone asks you a question. Hopefully this changes.
Sometimes the app is clunky as hell. But it’s technically still in beta. If you can’t learn how to finesse around some kinks in 2021 there are much larger issues at hand. You might need some milk.
HERE’S THE BOTTOM LINE/
Clubhouse is really great. BUT like anything else: it is what you make it. If you don’t take the time to learn how to navigate the app, understand the etiquette, learn the lingo, or explore what’s out there- you’re gonna have a bad time.
If you go into the space with expectations that you’re going to talk to high profile humans you’re doing it wrong. It is possible, but to really benefit you need to open your brain to some different types of conversation and get out there! WOO!
MY ADVICE TO YOU/
Grab an invite, sign up, make a bio, connect your instagram, and go talk to cool people about cool shit.
CHEERZ TO GREAT CONVERSATION AND GREAT HUMANS.
ALSO CHEERZ TO MY MOM BECAUSE SHE’S COOL AS HELL.
<3 TRAVIS