Business A to Z

Every trade has words it uses without explaining. In business the cost of not knowing one is real: some of them are ordinary jargon and some of them are a decision that can take a house.

Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.

Studying business? We write GCSE revision songs, and there is one for business studies. Listen to the revision playlist.

23 terms filed under M, showing 11–20 (page 2 of 3).

M

Market segmentation

Also called Segmentation, Target market, Ideal customer profile, ICP

Dividing a market into groups that behave differently, so you can stop talking to all of them at once.

Marketing automation

Sending the right message automatically, triggered by what somebody did.

Marketplace selling

Selling through Amazon, eBay, Etsy and the rest. Reach you did not build, on terms you do not set.

Mental health at work

The employer's duties, and the practical measures that work.

Mentoring and business support

Getting help from somebody who has done it before. Often free.

Merchant cash advance

A lump sum repaid as a percentage of card takings. Fast, flexible and expensive.

MFA

Also called Multi-factor authentication, Two-factor authentication, 2FA

Requiring a second proof of identity beyond a password. The single highest-value security step available.

Mileage and vehicle costs

Claiming for business travel by car. Approved rates, and the alternative.

Minimum viable audience

The smallest group you can serve profitably. Usually smaller than people think.

Moat

Also called Competitive advantage, Barrier to entry, Defensibility

Whatever makes it hard for a competitor to take your customers. Most small businesses have less of one than they think.

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