Portland networking glossary
Plain-language definitions for the terms these guides use. These are general definitions from the editor, not facts about any specific group. Where a guide describes a specific group's practice, the guide cites the organizer source.
- B2B
- Business to business. A business whose customers are other businesses, rather than individual shoppers.
- Referral
- An introduction one person makes for another, usually because they trust both sides. A referral opens a conversation. It is not a promise of business.
- Roundtable
- A small discussion format where everyone at the table gets a turn to speak, often on one topic.
- Pitch (elevator pitch)
- A short spoken summary of what you do and who you help, usually under a minute.
- Guest policy
- A group's rules for visitors: whether you can bring a guest, how many free visits you get, and whether you need an invitation. Guest policies differ by group. Check the group profile.
- Cadence
- How often a group meets: weekly, monthly, quarterly, and at what time of day.
- Mastermind
- A small peer group that meets regularly so each member can bring one business question and get feedback from the table.
- First visit
- Your first time attending a group, usually under guest rules rather than membership.
- Follow-up
- A short message sent after meeting someone, while the conversation is still fresh.
- Warm introduction
- An introduction made by someone both people know and trust, as opposed to a cold message to a stranger.
- One-on-one
- A short meeting between two people after an event, often over coffee, to continue a conversation.
Reading a group profile? Browse the groups and check the cost and access facts, each with its check date and source.