Small Business Glossary: S

Sarbanes-Oxley: A wide-ranging U.S. corporate reform legislation act that lays down stringent procedures regarding the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures, places restrictions on auditors providing non-audit services, and obliges top executives to verify their accounts personally.

security: A financial instrument that shows ownership, such as stocks or bonds.

sell-through: An advertising campaign that encourages immediate sales.

sexual harassment: Any unwelcome physical, visual, or verbal sexual advance, or a request for sexual favors, that interferes with the victim's job performance.

share: Evidence of ownership that represents an equal proportion of a business's capital.

skyscraper: A vertical banner ad.

soft skill: An ability, such as conflict management or team building, that's defined in terms of expected outcomes rather than as a specific method or technique.

sole proprietor: A person who owns a business individually and who is personally liable for the activities of the business.

solvency: The ability of a business to pay its liabilities on time.

source document: Evidence (such as a deposit slip or invoice) of a business dealing; critical in constructing an audit trail.

spin: A particular emphasis or slant imparted to information in order to create a desired effect.

stock: A share of a particular publicly traded business, which gives the stockholder a proportionate share in ownership of that business.