Hopefully you are already aware of this app, if not, I’m sorry that your days are about to get a little less productive, your spouse more annoyed with you and you’re going to look like a dumb ass talking to yourself into your phone. The bonus- you will be so much more connected to your friends and family. Ah technology- we do love you from time to time.
My girlfriends fell in love with Marco Polo when I was living in Japan and back when the app was free (there is still a great free version for you to get hooked on). When I moved back to the states the first thing they said was, “YEAH! Now you can get on Marco Polo!!” I didn’t get it and was not all that excited about it. It is basically sending videos of yourself to friends and family members. It took about a week to get used to, but then I started to understand and was soon the one telling everyone else in my life they needed this app.
The main thing is you have to get over the fact that you are watching yourself talk, which feels really weird. But it comes in handy so much AND most importantly, you know they can watch/listen to your Marco Polo on their own time so you aren’t interrupting them with a phone call. You can also turn the camera, just like a Facetime call, so you can show the person you are contacting whatever it is you are looking at. Here are just some of the ways I have found Marco Polo helpful:
Grandparents have seen more artwork, sneak peaks of sporting events and walkthroughs of my blooming garden
A sit down face-to-face conversation with a friend, especially if it is a long story that you just couldn’t type or that a text wouldn’t do justice that they can listen to on their timeline
Connecting with my family at home when I’m out of town. A text or call doesn’t hold a candle to hearing their little voices and seeing their little faces.
Outfit advice
I have Marco polo’ed a friend for makeup advice where I could watch her explain it as she was talking me through her video
Another friend has given me design advice for furniture in my dining room through our Marco Polo video chats
Keeping in touch with groups of people all at the same time. Yes, you can and should create groups so you can all see each other’s messages. No need to repeat the same thing to multiple people separately.
Sharing news- so much more personal and exciting then a text or phone call
I can multitask like I’m on a phone call while giving more insight into my life to my Marco Polo partner. Folding laundry, cooking while I’m chatting or even walking the dog.
Showing girlfriends everything on our changing bodies (especially what is happening to our aging necks).
It really is hard to explain, but bottom line you will feel so much more connected to your family and friends which for me, living far away from so many of my favorites, is everything. I pay for the upgraded $60/year version (and I’m a cheapskate so this tells you the value this has in my life) so that I can speed up messages (I never realized how slow we all talk), forward messages so I don’t need to repeat the same thing to my sister and my friends and my dad, and most importantly keep a “scratchpad” of notes while I’m listening to my Marco Polos. That really comes in handy if I can’t respond right away, or Anissa and I can cover A LOT of topics in one Marco Polo and Lord knows I have a comment for EVERYTHING she says!
The best Marco Polos, in my opinion, are the no make-up, pajama wearing, real deal glimpse into my favorite people's lives. I mean if you can’t keep it real with your real people what’s the point. This is the best Babbling tool in my life and now I couldn’t live without it. Click on the pic below to learn more, see examples and give the free version a try.
We love a little Marco to catch up when we’re feee!