5 opps how-to use Clubhouse for PR and fundraising while it is still a thing
Is Clubhouse all you hear about recently? Pandemic gave us a new way to communicate, and everybody is so into it. It is like LinkedIn mixed with Facebook and Skype without those irritating algorithms. Why did it get so hot so fast? Shona Ghosh says “It’s insider-y vibe fuels desperation rather than cool”, and I second it.
You can chat with great minds, like a16z partners, or CEO of Figma, or even Elon Musk, and it feels like you accidentally dialled into a secret meeting. You can hear the latest trends and opinions and share yours — if a moderator lets you. John Branon says that Clubhouse is like an interactive podcast or a panel discussion, except that you can decide to go up on “stage” in real-time.
We are now all forced to find new ways to communicate and promote ourselves. Clubhouse has the potential to become one — it’s fresh, and it gives that feeling of being a part of an inner circle. The community also seems like the right place to introduce your brand. From Mark Zukerberg to local VCs and startup founders, everyone is already there. Moreover, you can find new business partners and even pitch your startup. And of course, it is a great new PR tool.
I participated in a few rooms in English and Russian, raised my hand to speak out. And I can say — this is a great opportunity for an expert or a startup CEO, or a brand to get noticed. So while it is not something people are tired of, get an invite, fill in your bio and check out those five not-so-new reasons to use the new Clubhouse environment for your corporate comms.
- Make connections This is like LinkedIn but more friendly. You can find a group related to your industry and blend in, and you can also follow individuals. For instance, now in the Tech category, there are interesting and diverse communities of Ukrainian entrepreneurs, European startups, VCs, AI specialists, and many more. For instance, I follow the Communications & PR group, Good Time — this is where you can meet tech giants, Tech Talks, Talk Nerdy to Me, and some more VC, tech, and PR related. Also, I follow most prominent tech reporters, so I get notifications if one of them is talking in a room.
- Boost your personal brand This is like joining a meetup but without awkward intros. Once you get used to rooms, just raise your hand if you feel it is the right time to speak. Make sure you are well prepared, know what you want to talk about and what is your goal. Journalists are starting to hold weekly rooms discussing tech trends, M&As, and all of the things. VCs fellows also have rooms to talk about strategies, deals, and multiplicators. This is a good chance to share your knowledge and latest news, celebrate recent achievements — yours or from the industry, and gain new connections. If you have a decent speech, you’ll be noticed and followed which helps establish good relationships. If you have a good pitch, you can immediately raise money, like Kimi Weinttrraub did during the Shark Tank room.
- Build communities and spread the word This is like speaking at a conference but with no hassle. Once you have earned attention and followers, now it’s time to start your own room and invite people to talk. Schedule in advance, avoid busy hours. Make it open if you want everyone to be able to join — or social just for people you follow to join. You can launch or promote a product in a room, like it does Kiki AI, a chat bot which is interviewed live by Forbes reporter Cathy Hackl, share the latest milestone or discuss recent figures. Why doing this? It is a good chance to use the popularity of the app — journalists, VCs, and other top minds are keen to talk on Clubhouse now and are more likely to join a room than yet another Zoom call. This could end fast, so don’t miss an opportunity.
- Pick up ideas for content marketing This is like listening to podcasts but in real time with an opportunity to participate. There is a bucket of fresh ideas for those who listened. Clubhouse doesn’t have an option of audio recording so everything discussed will sink into oblivion next second the room is over. Use ideas you hear to write a feature or op-ed and pitch it to media outlets. Definitely post on corp blog or Medium. Some content can also be used for social media, analytical material and researches. There is tons of information now available every day from how to launch a new market to how to improve SF. CEOs, Venure Partners, and opinion leaders are spending half an hour per day on Clubhouse on average, so don’t miss out.
- Don’t overuse Clubhouse A lot of us are still in lockdowns and none of us are able to attend an offline event. So we go on Twitter about how we are tired, and bored, and watched all the series already. But don’t do that on Clubhouse. Starting a room to discuss what you are doing on a rainy winter day seems not the best idea. There are book communities, groups to discuss movies and weather for that. But don’t scare away followers you gained with an emotional impulse they will receive as a push notification.