SQL (Sales Qualified Lead)
01 Definition
SQL (Sales Qualified Lead) meaning: A lead vetted and accepted as ready for direct sales engagement.
A sales qualified lead is a prospect that has met agreed criteria showing it is ready for a salesperson to pursue, such as clear need, budget, and timing. It usually follows a marketing qualified lead once sales accepts it. In this marketing context, SQL does not mean the database query language of the same abbreviation.
Why it matters
How SQL (Sales Qualified Lead) fits the work
The SQL label tells sales which leads have cleared qualification, so reps invest time in prospects with a real chance of buying.
In context
After a discovery call confirms budget, authority, and a purchase window this quarter, the rep converts the lead to an SQL in the CRM.
Practical note
Qualification standards differ by company, so an SQL at one firm may not match another. Document your criteria, and note the acronym clashes with the database term to avoid confusion in technical settings.