Well, here we are in February 2021, one year since Covid-19 was introduced to our lives. By now you are probably an expert at setting up Zoom calls, Google Meets and StreamYard as the platforms you use to ‘go live’ simultaneously and connect with your audiences across multiple social platforms.
The newest social app, Clubhouse is currently still in Beta for iPhone users and requires an invitation to join but is already proving to be a networking gem. I received multiple invites from authors before I even knew what it was about. Good problem to have.
I heard someone say they thought Black people were the founders of Clubhouse. LOL! No, we aren’t the founders but we are definitely putting in work on the app with a wide array of communities covering a multitude of topics. For example, I am part of the following clubs: Diverse Shelves, Intellectually Speaking… You Read What? (All Things Books), and Writers Block among others. There is even a club for Beyonce fans or those looking to make it in the city of Atlanta.
Clubhouse, for me, is a gift during this pandemic. As a publicist, it allows me to continue networking and planning events nationally from the comforts of home, make-up free. My last time on the app, I listened to journalists share best practices to work with them.
Here are a few reasons I believe authors should come to the club:
- Strong communities — For authors, having a community in which you are able to share and receive support for your book will be invaluable. I have found that, when people who were already connected prior to Covid come together to host a room, the synergy is very high and it makes for a great conversation where value is shared.
- The ability to leave the app and continue to listen and speak while checking out other online content is something I really appreciate. You can leave the app and still hear a person speak while you visit their website or Instagram page (or whatever social media platform the speaker has in their profile). I have purchased a book in real-time while the author was on stage speaking about her career trajectory.
- An opportunity to amplify your voice from the comforts of home. When the pandemic hit, I lost five paid speaking gigs in a matter of three weeks and I know many of my colleagues experienced the same, In fact, anyone who does in-person events lost opportunities to engage with an audience. With the app, you can get back on the stage and share.
- Now if you are camera shy and going live on Facebook or Instagram is not really your thing, then consider Clubhouse. There are not any visuals except for your profile picture which you can update as often as you want even while you are speaking. So if you were speaking about your book, you can change your profile image to the book cover and, as you carry on, you can swap it out for another image that compliments your conversation.
I hope this helps and hope to see you on Clubhouse. Connect with me on CH @TheLitLobbyist
Clubhouse Guidelines http://clubhouseguide.com/
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