Leads and sales

[Englishfan]

What exactly is a lead in marketing terminology? Is it the same like a prospect? Thanks again for your answers :)

[Mister Micawber]

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I would think so, English Fan, though I would have to see it in context to be sure. A lead is presumably some sort of clue to, suggestion for, or introduction to a possible customer.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Englishfan]

Hello Mister Micawber, thanks for your explanations. Here is a sentence I've found on the web and it gives me an idea of what a lead is about but I still can't make out the difference between a lead and a prospect:

No business can survive without sales. Hone your selling skills and convert more of your sales leads with these resources about selling and sale techniques.

[Mister Micawber]

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Yes, I agree that lead can be synonymous with prospect.

As I intimated above, though, a lead can also be one step removed. A prospect, I think, is usually a possible customer, but a lead can also be information directing the salesman to a possible customer.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's