By Bryan Curry

Clubhouse is a live-discussion audio platform launched in March of 2020 that has seen rapid growth in recent months. The app is currently invite-only in beta with a user base in excess of 10 million. 

On April 8th, 2021, MHTBA Board Chair and Vice President of Global Communications for Oracle Kelly Schwager (@kellyschwager) hosted a webinar to discuss the “buzzing” social media platform.

Schwager likened Clubhouse to talk-show radio in that it primarily functions as a conversation hosted by one or more people with listeners who tune in and sometimes join the conversation. It is composed of different rooms which she compares to radio stations and the topics being discussed are broad, encompassing a range of variable interests. 

1. Understand Privacy is a Concern

Chatrooms may be designated private or public, affecting the size of the audience and the privacy of the conversation. The app’s original design was intended to lack permanence, with conversations not being recorded and stored, however Schwager warned that conversations have been recorded and shared to other platforms or published by journalists in contradiction to the app’s vision. She suggested that the usual rules for privacy and public relations management should apply. “You could get asked questions that you don’t want to answer,” she said.

2. Clubhouse as a Marketing Tool

Schwager went on to highlight the myriad ways Clubhouse can serve companies and individuals professionally. Acknowledging the app’s shortcomings for businesses (no advertising capabilities and user metrics are not yet available) she stressed that it is possible to boost brand awareness and image with creative interfacing. 

“Users are tuning in for hours at a time and deeply engaging with content – sharing their key takeaways on other social channels,” said Schwager. 

3. Listen and Learn

Another feature of Clubhouse is the ability to listen without participating. To illustrate the platform’s capability in this arena she shared with the participants a personal interest in screenwriting and film. With such a broad offering of subjects to listen in on, she can enjoy conversations that revolve around niche interests without obligation to participate in the discourse. 

So, what’s the buzz? 

From the influencers who helped the app reach its current level of notoriety, to celebrities such as Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey and the professionals who have embraced it at every level of business, Clubhouse is picking up steam in the tech space.

Schwager’s handle on the platform is @kellyschwager. Also recommended during the webinar were the accounts Marc Andreesen @pmarca and Ben Horowitz (@bhorowitz, as well as the Montana-specific group TechinThe406.

For a deeper dive into Clubhouse, view the recording of the webinar or the event’s presentation slides.

About the Publisher:

Launched in 2014, the Montana High Tech Business Alliance is a nonpartisan nonprofit association of highly-engaged high tech and manufacturing companies and affiliates creating high-paying jobs in Montana. For more information, visit MTHighTech.org or subscribe to our biweekly newsletter.

About the Author:

Bryan Curry is the Writer and Digital Content Coordinator for the MHTBA. Pursuing a love for the outdoors and all of the adventurous amenities Montana has to offer, Bryan moved to Missoula from Tacoma, Washington to pursue a degree at the University of Montana in English and Creative Writing. With a background in entrepreneurship, risk analysis, and sales he has developed a passion for engaging with his community through personalized and relatable written content. A father, Bryan spends his free time with his wife and two daughters fishing, cycling and exploring the world around them.