Why I Transitioned from Clubhouse to LinkedIn Audio Events
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Chapter 1: The Allure of Clubhouse
My journey with Clubhouse, the innovative drop-in audio social media platform, unfolded like many of my previous romantic entanglements. Initially, there was an exhilarating rush and a whirlwind of activity. I dedicated hours daily to the app, replacing my usual podcast listening. I facilitated discussions featuring bestselling authors like Nir Eyal and Alex Osterwalder and participated as a guest speaker in SXSW-hosted events. I also found myself exploring intriguing rooms I would have never searched for, which expanded my perspective significantly.
However, as time went on, that initial excitement began to wane. Eventually, I stopped engaging altogether. Here are several reasons that led to my decision to move away from Clubhouse.
Section 1.1: Low Return on Time Investment
As the author of "Time Rich," I am particularly mindful of how I invest my time. The returns for any activity—whether financial, social, emotional, or educational—are crucial. I quickly recognized that there were far more effective methods to achieve my personal and professional objectives without spending endless hours scrolling through profile pictures on Clubhouse.
Section 1.2: The Cost of Switching
Similar to other social media platforms, Clubhouse acts like a slot machine—you never know what you'll encounter when you open the app. Each visit might reveal engaging discussions from impressive individuals, prompting you to check in repeatedly throughout the day. This leads to two main issues:
- You might find yourself engrossed in lengthy conversations during work hours, when you should be focused on your tasks.
- The constant toggling between work and the app results in a cognitive switching penalty, hindering your ability to engage in deep, focused work.
Subsection 1.2.1: The Challenge of Quality Conversations
While there are occasionally enlightening speakers like Naval Ravikant or Elon Musk, most discussions on Clubhouse lack substance. When I open the app, I see titles like:
- "Manifest Your Dreams!"
- "Gain +1000 Followers, Likes & Comments!"
- "Exclusive for Chase Sapphire Card Holders!"
As Zig Ziglar famously stated, we are shaped by what we allow into our minds. Therefore, it's essential to reconsider the impact of unqualified individuals seeking followers on our perspectives.
Section 1.3: Low Insight Density
Building on the previous point, even when a topic seems intriguing, the conversation is often dominated by individuals who lack the expertise to provide valuable insights. If I wish to learn about marketing strategies, cryptocurrency trends, or successful relationship-building, I find it far more beneficial to explore books, articles, or podcasts by established experts. This approach yields greater value for my time and allows me to skip to the most relevant information.
Chapter 2: Networking Limitations
While Clubhouse offers opportunities to meet people you might not encounter otherwise, one must ask how many of these connections would you have actively sought out? For effective networking, platforms like LinkedIn prove to be far more efficient.
Alternatives to Consider:
- Launch a podcast and invite influential guests.
- Attend Meetups to directly engage with attendees.
- Join a Mastermind group.
Section 2.1: The Signaling Problem
Clubhouse is often filled with individuals eager to build social status on this new platform. Yet, as Naval Ravikant wisely notes, "Play stupid games, win stupid prizes." Personally, I prioritize pursuits that offer time, financial stability, mental clarity, and joy over merely gaining followers.
Subsection 2.1.1: Algorithmic Issues
Frequently, I find my feed cluttered with rooms in languages I don’t understand, such as Russian, Korean, or Arabic, or events that are irrelevant to me, like speed dating for Latinos—of which I am not a participant.
Section 2.2: The Transience of Conversations
The ephemeral nature of Clubhouse discussions means that if a topic piques your interest, you must remain glued to the app to catch any valuable insights. This reliance places you at the mercy of the platform's unpredictability, which I find unsatisfactory.
Final Thoughts
While I don't entirely dismiss the value of an app like Clubhouse, it no longer aligns with my personal values. If someone were to request several hours of your time consistently, you would likely expect fair compensation. Yet, when a new social media platform emerges, it’s easy to lose track of time without second thoughts, often at the expense of other important commitments.
Ultimately, it comes down to intentionality. Is Clubhouse adding value to your life or detracting from it? Only you can make that determination.
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Steve Glaveski is the co-founder of Collective Campus, author of "Time Rich," "Employee to Entrepreneur," and host of the "Future Squared" podcast. He is an avid learner with interests ranging from 80s metal and high-intensity workouts to surfing and stand-up comedy.
In this video, I share my experience of shifting from Clubhouse to LinkedIn Audio Events, discussing the reasons behind my decision and what I found more beneficial in the latter platform.
This video explores the recent challenges facing Clubhouse and discusses whether the platform is facing its downfall.