Have you heard of the newest social media audio app that is taking the world by storm? Clubhouse is a new platform that launched in April in beta. The catch is that you have to be one of the cool kids to be invited. But with more than 6 million users and the exponential growth that happened in January, more invites are available. And hopefully, soon the beta will end, and everyone will be eligible to join.
What is Clubhouse and Why Should you Want it?
Clubhouse is basically an app where people hop into rooms and listen in on other people’s conversations. It sounds a little strange, but it isn’t as creepy as you might think. It reminds me of listening to a panel at a conference where they allow the audience to participate and ask questions.
So, if you are interested in this new app, you may be wondering how you can use Clubhouse to help with your transition out of the military? Let’s dive into four ways you can use Clubhouse to help you through your transition out of the military or into a new career.
1. Build Your Network
Just type in the word veteran, and you can connect to many different people on the app. But if you are working to refine your search, look through the clubs on Clubhouse. There are so many clubs focused on different topics within the veteran community. By joining the club, you will be updated when live events take place, and you can learn and connect with other veterans.
But connecting with veterans is just the start. There are groups for everything so if you want to learn more about or connect with others who like you have the hobby of underwater basket weaving you can.
2. Listen to CEOs Like Elon Musk
Elon Musk held his first Clubhouse event in late January, and there was so much interest in this event that the room quickly met capacity. A number of YouTubers even streamed the conversation live on their channels. He answered basic questions from the audience with topics ranging from space travel, colonies on Mars, Crypto, AI, and COVID-19 vaccines.
But Elon Musk isn’t the only CEO or business leader on Clubhouse. The CEO of Robinhood, Vlad Tenev was part of Elon Musk’s chat. And Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he enjoyed his time on the app. Whatever profession you are looking into being a part of, there is an opportunity to connect and follow the leaders in the space. Before Clubhouse, it could cost a lot of money to attend events where these well-named leaders were speaking, and now through the app, you can listen for free. And if you are fortunate enough, you might even make it to the stage to ask your question directly.
Even by attending events with well-named leaders that you admire, you can connect with others who either have similar goals or are working in the field you are hoping to join. It can be a great way to connect with others and learn. And it is easy to continue the connection on other social mediums – like Instagram and Twitter.
3. Connect with Veterans talking about their experience
One of the best parts of Clubhouse is how deep and authentic the conversations are. Veterans are opening up about their experience in the military and sharing their stories via this new platform. Besides connecting in various groups focused around being a veteran, a number of stories show up each day. Having the opportunity to listen in, hear stories, and build your community is a great gift, especially during a time when so many networking opportunities are not possible. And it is easy to send a message to someone you heard speak to set up either a follow-up chat on Clubhouse or “meet” on another social media platform.
4. Learn about various programs
One of the tools that companies have been using on the newest platform is to share about the programs they offer. This can either be in events that are focused on various programs or through different people coming to the stage and sharing their experience in being a part of or highlighting their program. There are so many great programs for veterans that a google search can often feel overwhelming but on Clubhouse, you are able to hear from participants about various events and even ask questions.
Clubhouse is Another Component of Your Network
Networking is critical to growth in your career – not just during your transition out of the military. For every milestone, it’s helpful to have support from others around you. Even if you don’t use Clubhouse for your transition, you can use it so many different aspects of your life. It is worth checking out – if you are lucky enough to be invited.
