What is CLUBHOUSE - and Does it Have Anything to Do With the Office Furniture Industry -- and Should I Be There?" - 03/31/21 Edition
Stephen Says Column

Dear Stephen,

What is Clubhouse? I am a sales rep at a furniture dealer, and I am suddenly hearing so much about this new networking platform everyone is joining called Clubhouse. A customer invited me to join but I am not sure I get it. What are these "rooms" and "hallways" and "moderators"? What does it mean to join or start a "club"? Is this a cult or something? What a strange icon they have. Do we really need another social media platform?

Most importantly, can it help me with my career and business or is it some new scam? Does it have anything to do with contract furniture, or is it mainly just tech?

I don't want to overexpose myself on social media, that can get to be weird. I have had a hard time navigating it, but my friend and one of my coworkers are on it and love it. What do you think Viscuz?

— Clubhouse Doubts

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Dear Mr. Doubts,

"What do you think Viscuz?" Is that what you just called me? LOL.

"Clubhouse" — funny name, I agree. Yes, unusual icon on the app, you are right again. But not a cult — it's a great new platform. I love it. It sounds like you are already a doubting member but if you are reading this column and are not a member, go to the App Store and download "Clubhouse: Drop in Audio Chat." It is constantly adding new features. Right now it is only for iPhone users, not Android phones, but that will change soon. If it matters to you, the App gets a 4.8 rating.

To help you understand Clubhouse I will quote a piece from the New York Times:

"Clubhouse is a social networking app that lets people gather in audio chat rooms to discuss various topics, whether it's sports, wellness, art or why Bitcoin is headed to $87,000. Rooms are usually divided into two groups: Those who are talking and those who are listening (participants can see a list of everyone who's in a conversation, and the numbers sometimes run into the thousands). Unlike Twitter, Clubhouse is a closed, hierarchical platform: A moderator oversees discussions and has the ability to let someone chime in or to kick out the unruly. In addition to the 'clubs' sorted by topic, two or more users can join together and start their own chat room."

"The app was unveiled last spring by two tech industry veterans, Paul Davison and Rohan Seth. Their prototype of a podcasting app seemed too

much like a broadcast, so they added a feature that let users join the conversation. Clubhouse has been variously likened to a podcast with audience participation; the 2021 version of AOL's Instant Messenger; and an old-fashioned party line." Here is the link to the article by Steven Kurutz on Feb 22, 2021. I suggest you read it.*

Can it help you as a salesperson get new business? YES! Can it help you as a designer learn how to help your clients, find new business, maybe a new job? YES! Why? Because your customers, end users, dealers, the A&D community, fellow sales reps and friends and family are all joining and forming rooms and talking live about the hot topics. It's so authentic, and you can be your own Oprah.

The best way to describe it is a live podcast you can learn from or be entertained by. Let's face it, almost everyone likes to hear themselves talk, and Clubhouse lets you do it. If you do not like to talk (like I do), you can just listen. It differs from a podcast in that it is not something you can stream on your phone later on, and you cannot record it — it is "in the moment." Hey, come on you're working from home in your yoga pants or gym shorts, please do not pretend you do not have the extra time to listen.

Want to be a member of Clubhouse? Write me at stephen@viscusigroup.com, and I will invite you. Or just download the app and when you do, "follow" me and join my two cool rooms. "Furniture & Design" and "Furniture Sales Reps." We have conversations about jobs, getting hired, getting fired and where the business is going. Or tell me a topic you want to talk about, and we will create a forum. It's interesting and fun. And nothing to "type." Just talk and listen! You can join the conversations and ask questions if the moderator allows you to, and I always will, but you can't play it back for listening later. So you need to be there. And hey, my friend Amanda Schneider, president of ThinkLab is a member. I was talking to her while writing this story and promised to mention you should follow her, and my boss here at BoF, Rob Kirkbride, who is a member, too. Follow us all!

It is not just our industry — it's everything, cooking, meeting new people, gardening, geopolitics — every topic you can think of, even some I cannot mention here, are part of Clubhouse. Many people from all parts of our industry are joining and involved. It is on fire, and you heard it from me first! Join now, follow me, and come talk in my room!

Stephen

PS: Don't forget to join my Clubhouse clubs/rooms: "Furniture & Design" and "Furniture Sales Reps". I want you to participate and "come up on stage" as we say in Clubhouse. You can ask questions and share your own thoughts.

The Business of Furniture | Subscribe at bellowpress.com | March 31, 2021