Small Business Glossary: B

balance: 1. An equal amount of debits and credits in an account. 2. The remainder in an account when debits are paid.

balance sheet: A record of the financial situation of a business on a particular date that lists the business's assets and the claims against those assets.

banner ad: A graphical Web advertising unit, usually measuring 468 pixels wide by 60 pixels tall.

blast e-mail: A form of online advertising that's similar to direct-mail collateral advertising; anti-spam regulations apply.

bond: 1. An interest-bearing certificate issued by a business, promising to pay the holder a specified sum on a specified date. 2. A strong, durable white writing paper of high quality.

brand: 1. (noun) A promise about what your business is and what benefits it delivers that gets reinforced every time people come in contact with any facet of your business. 2. (verb) The process of building a positive collection of perceptions in your customers' minds.

British cut: A style of men's suit that has a side-vented or unvented jacket with square shoulders and a tapered waist, and pants that are relatively narrow.

business promise: A written summary of the positive difference you deliver to all who deal with your business.

buzz: A form of marketing that uses high-profile entertainment or news to get people to talk about your brand.