AI & Technology Terms

AI (Artificial Intelligence) Computer systems that perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence. In business contexts, usually refers to tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or automated features in software.

AI Assistant A conversational AI tool that responds to text prompts. Examples: Claude, ChatGPT, Google Gemini.

Automation Using technology to perform tasks without manual intervention. Ranges from simple (auto-responders) to complex (multi-step workflows).

Chatbot A program that simulates conversation, typically for customer service. Modern AI chatbots use large language models for more natural interactions.

CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Software for managing customer interactions, sales pipeline, and relationship data. Examples: HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive.

Integration Connecting different software tools so they share data and work together.

LLM (Large Language Model) The AI technology underlying tools like Claude and ChatGPT. Trained on text to generate human-like responses.

No-Code Tools that allow building automations and applications without programming knowledge.

Prompt The text input you provide to an AI to get a response. Better prompts produce better outputs.

SaaS (Software as a Service) Software delivered via the internet, typically with subscription pricing. Most modern business tools are SaaS.

Workflow A sequence of steps to complete a business process. Often automated with tools like Zapier or Make.

Zapier/Make Popular automation platforms that connect different apps and automate workflows without coding.

Marketing Terms

A/B Testing Testing two versions of content (ads, emails, pages) to see which performs better.

Bounce Rate Percentage of visitors who leave a website without taking action. Lower is generally better.

Call to Action (CTA) A prompt encouraging the audience to take a specific action. "Buy Now," "Schedule a Call," etc.

Click-Through Rate (CTR) Percentage of people who click a link after seeing it. Important for ads and emails.

Content Marketing Creating valuable content to attract and engage an audience, rather than direct advertising.

Conversion Rate Percentage of visitors/leads who complete a desired action (purchase, sign-up, etc.).

Cost Per Click (CPC) Amount paid for each click in paid advertising.

Email Marketing Using email to communicate with prospects and customers for marketing purposes.

Engagement Rate Measure of interaction with content (likes, comments, shares) relative to audience size.

Impressions Number of times content is displayed, regardless of whether it's clicked.

Keyword Words or phrases people search for. Important for SEO and paid search.

Meta Description Brief text describing a page, shown in search engine results.

Open Rate Percentage of email recipients who open an email.

Organic Traffic Visitors who arrive through unpaid search results.

Paid Traffic Visitors who arrive through paid advertising.

Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) Revenue generated per dollar spent on advertising.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Practices to improve a website's visibility in search engine results.

Social Proof Evidence that others trust or have benefited from a product/service. Reviews, testimonials, case studies.

Sales Terms

Bottom of Funnel (BOFU) Late-stage prospects ready to make purchasing decisions.

Churn Rate Percentage of customers who stop buying over a given period.

Closing The final stage of sales where a deal is completed.

Cold Outreach Contacting prospects who haven't expressed prior interest.

Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) Total cost to acquire a new customer.

Discovery Call Initial conversation to understand a prospect's needs and qualify fit.

Follow-Up Subsequent contacts after initial outreach or conversation.

Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) Detailed description of the type of customer most likely to buy and benefit.

Lead A person or organization that has shown potential interest in your offering.

Lead Qualification Process of determining whether a lead is worth pursuing.

Lifetime Value (LTV) Total revenue expected from a customer over the entire relationship.

Middle of Funnel (MOFU) Prospects who are aware of their problem and evaluating solutions.

Objection Reason a prospect gives for not buying. Common objections: price, timing, need.

Pipeline Collection of leads and opportunities at various sales stages.

Prospecting The process of finding and reaching out to potential customers.

Sales Cycle The time and stages from first contact to closed deal.

Top of Funnel (TOFU) Early-stage awareness activities that attract potential prospects.

Warm Lead A prospect who has shown some interest or has a prior connection.

Customer Service Terms

Canned Response Pre-written response template for common situations.

Escalation Moving a customer issue to a higher level of support.

First Response Time How quickly a customer receives initial response to their inquiry.

Knowledge Base Self-service library of help articles and documentation.

Resolution Time Total time to fully resolve a customer issue.

Ticket A tracked customer service request or issue.

SLA (Service Level Agreement) Commitment to certain service standards, often including response times.

Operations Terms

Bottleneck A constraint that limits overall throughput or productivity.

Process A defined series of steps to accomplish a specific outcome.

SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) Documented instructions for completing routine operations.

Throughput The amount of work completed in a given time period.

Time Blocking Calendar management technique where specific time periods are dedicated to specific types of work.

Workflow Automation Using technology to execute business processes automatically.

Finance Terms

Accounts Payable (AP) Money you owe to suppliers and vendors.

Accounts Receivable (AR) Money owed to you by customers.

Cash Flow Movement of money in and out of a business. Positive = more in than out.

Gross Margin Revenue minus cost of goods sold, expressed as percentage.

Invoice Bill sent to a customer requesting payment for goods or services.

Net Profit Revenue minus all expenses. The "bottom line."

Overhead Ongoing business expenses not directly tied to producing goods/services.

P&L (Profit and Loss Statement) Financial statement showing revenues, costs, and profits over a period.

Recurring Revenue Predictable revenue that repeats (subscriptions, retainers).

Revenue Total money received from sales before expenses are deducted.

Runway How long a business can operate with current cash reserves.

Hiring Terms

ATS (Applicant Tracking System) Software for managing job applications and hiring process.

Background Check Verification of a candidate's history (criminal, employment, education).

Candidate Experience How job applicants perceive and experience your hiring process.

Culture Fit Alignment between a candidate's values/work style and the company's culture.

Job Description Document outlining role responsibilities, requirements, and qualifications.

Offer Letter Formal document extending a job offer with terms of employment.

Onboarding Process of integrating a new employee into the organization.

Reference Check Contacting previous employers or colleagues to verify candidate information.

Sourcing The process of finding potential candidates for a role.

Talent Pipeline Pool of potential candidates for current or future roles.