Business Glossary

Key terms and abbreviations you will encounter in business language

If you are new to the business terminology and are learning the business jargon here are some business phrases used in the context of accounting marketing and other business areas. This short guide provides some handy definitions of selected business terms.

Business jargon and terminology examples

Here are some basic business terms you can come across in business-related conversations.

Leverage – to use borrowed capital to increase profits. Another meaning of leverage is to maximise advantage.
KPIs – key performance indicators
Gain traction – to reach a point of fast growth and visible results
Agile – adapting quickly after frequent assessments. It’s a term often used in project management.
Assets – the value within the company, e.g. equipment, cash, properties, intellectual property.
Liabilities – what the company owes to otters e.g. debtd, unpaid taxes, wages owed
Revenue / sales Revenue/ turnover/ Sales turnover – the income received from selling products of services
Expenses – money spent on running the business e.g. cost of work, rent, insurance
Net profit – total revenue after expenses
Gross profit – total revenue less the cost of goods or services sold
Cash flow – the total amount of cash transferred into and out of the business
ROI – return on investment
B2B – business to business
B2C – business to consumer (individuals)
Added value – The increase of worth by a business
Trademark – protected by law a, logo name or other features of a product or company
SWAT – strengths weaknesses opportunities and threats it’s a term used in marketing
USPs – unique selling points – the way that a business differentiates from others
SMART – usually in relation to goals: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and with a time limit
Benchmark – a company that we compare the business with can be a market leader
SME – Small and Medium Enterprises
Break-even point – when a company starts making profit
Marketing mix – 4Ps – price promotion and place
Affiliate marketing – advertising goods or services for a commission
Black swan – an unpredictable event which can change the market conditions
Boot strapping – starting or running a business at a very low cost
Business angel – an individual investor providing capital for a share in the company
Exit strategy – a plan to sell for leave the business by the owner
Gross – the total amount of money
Net – the amount of money remaining after the directions
Working capital – that a business uses in its daily operations
Yield – the income from an investment
Crowdfunding – financing a business project through a large number of inversions contributing small amounts of money
Organic growth – business growth through its own resources, without an external investment