International sales and AI

Let's start with some data: according to The Brevet Group, an average of eight call attempts are needed to contact a potential client, although most salespeople give up after the third or fourth attempt. Technology has added to the number of tools at our disposal, but the principle that well-executed prospecting requires method and consistency has not changed. AI accelerates the process, it doesn't replace it.

The first step remains to accurately identify potential customers and, within each company, who makes the purchasing decision: the purchasing director, manager or import manager, depending on the country and sector. Obtaining direct contact information (and not a generic address like “info@”) is still what distinguishes a database from a true portfolio of opportunities.

Next, proceed to investigate the account: what it sells, where it operates, what needs it has, and which suppliers it works with. Here, AI does offer a decisive advantage, as it allows this information to be gathered and synthesized in minutes. However, interpreting the data and personalizing the message remain a human endeavor.

The order of actions has become more demanding. The first action should not be to send an email, but a phone call to request consent of the person in question before any commercial communication is sent. Calling at an appropriate time (for the customer) and in the language of the destination country significantly improves receptivity, and consistent follow-ups do the rest: Not many deals are closed on the first attempt.

Only after obtaining that consent should you send the introductory email, which must be hyperpersonalized for each company. This cannot be a generic text, but a message that demonstrates a real understanding of the company and explains in concrete terms how the product or service can help them achieve their goals. That degree of personalization will be where it is decided whether they read it or ignore it.

Each conversation, moreover, constitutes a source of business intelligence: specific needs, established competitors, reference prices, or who else is involved in the decision. And to reach the right person, bypassing switchboards, answering machines, and filters with the expertise that only experience provides remains crucial.

Executing this entire process rigorously, in several languages ​​and at scale, requires a level of dedication that few companies can assume internally. This is where AI makes a big difference.

Oftex, the bank's partner, offers you the chance to try its sales assistant free of charge. Oftex is a digital agent that brings in international clients for your company: It contacts the companies, identifies the decision-maker, presents your proposal in their language, and follows up on each call. You only receive the companies that are genuinely interested.

Only the first 250 who request it will benefit, with 100 free calls. To experience the power of AI, simply register at app.salesbyoftex.com/register and redeem the coupon IACOMEXBBVA.

NOTE: Oftex is a third-party company, independent from the BBVA Group. Any questions, concerns, or issues you may have regarding registration or the service should be addressed directly with Oftex. BBVA is not responsible for the service Oftex provides. BBVA is not responsible for the processing of the data you provide to Oftex, nor will it have access to it.

Internationalization Team — Oftex

Internationalization Consultant · BBVA Partner · oftex.es

Sources: The Brevet Group, 21 Mind-Blowing Sales Stats (average of 8 call attempts to contact a prospect) · Sales by Oftex · Experience of Oftex Internationalization (25+ years, 700+ companies), partner of BBVA.