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Can you follow-up way too much?

January 10th, 2007 by Kenric

Last month I wrote about changing my IRA to a self-directed IRA.  The first thing I did was contact a couple self-directed IRA companies and ask for information.  Like any good company would do they have all sent me information.  However, there is one IRA company that has been consistently following up.  I’m not saying that its bad to do so, but I think if comes off as pushy especially since I haven’t returned any of his calls or emails.

My original post was on December 12th.  I immediately received an email from “John” the day after with a PDF attachment of all his company has to offer.  About two days later, I received another email asking if I received his first email.  Then a follow up phone call where he left a voice mail.  I get another email a few days later.  At this point I’m thinking… this guy is getting annoying.  He’s been emailing me once every few days since then and following up with phone calls.

Here are some of his emails (I know that I have deleted a couple at least):

#1 Dear Kenric,

Thank you for your inquiry with Guidant Financial Group, Inc. Have you been able to access our online Education Station? We produced an audio CD explaining our Aurigaâ„¢ truly self-directed IRA strategy. Regardles of whether or not you requested to have a CD mailed, you can listen to this CD in its entirety via the Education Station. Also, I thought I would send you some FAQs (frequently asked questions) about the Auriga, and a brief article about this strategy. Please review and feel free to call me toll-free at 1.888.xxx.xx55 with any questions. I look forward to speaking with you in the near future.

#2 Dear Kenric,

A few weeks ago you requested info about how Guidant can help you access your retirement funds to purchase non-standard assets like real estate, tax liens and even a business. We provided information to you about our services and the Aurigaâ„¢ truly self-directed IRA strategy. Are you still interested in using your retirement money to invest in non-traditional investments? I have included two audio links which discuss “The Future of the Stock Market” and “How to find a good self-directed IRA custodian”

#3 Dear Kenric,

You recently requested information from Guidant Financial Group about how your IRA can become “Truly Self-Directed”. If you requested an audio CD, it is likely in transit, so I wanted to make sure you knew the CD can be listed to in its entirety via our online Education Station

#4 Dear Kenric, (note exact same as email #2)

A few weeks ago you requested info about how Guidant can help you access your retirement funds to purchase non-standard assets like real estate, tax liens and even a business. We provided information to you about our services and the Aurigaâ„¢ truly self-directed IRA strategy. Are you still interested in using your retirement money to invest in non-traditional investments? I have included two audio links which discuss “The Future of the Stock Market” and “How to find a good self-directed IRA custodian” 

#5 Dear Kenric,

You made an inquiry with Guidant Financial Group, Inc. and we have corresponded via email over the last several weeks. Do you have any questions about our service or the Aurigaâ„¢ truly self-directed IRA strategy? Are you still interested in using your retirement funds for this type of investment? Please see the links below for information about this strategy

#6 Dear Kenric,

Are you still interested in diversifying your retirement outside of the stock market? This is truly an educational process and I am here for you to use as a resource. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience, as I would like to make sure you have the information you need to be able to make an informed decision as to whether this form of investing is for you. I can be reached toll-free at 1.888.xxx.xx55. I look forward to speaking with you!

Today he calls and I actually answered the phone.  I told him that I haven’t looked at the package yet or decided which company to go with.  He wasn’t pushy or anything but I was already annoyed by the volume of follow ups that I didn’t really even want to talk to him.  You can only pester someone so much until he doesn’t even care what your company does anymore.  I made my request on December 12th, today is January 10th, in 29 days he has sent me at least 6 emails and left me 3 voicemails and got through to me once today!  Am I wrong to be annoyed at him?

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