AI glossary for solopreneurs
Updated May 2026
Plain-English definitions of every AI term a solopreneur keeps hearing in 2026. MCP, A2A, agent cards, llms.txt, RAG, tool calling, and the rest. One line at the top of each entry, then the longer version.
We made this because the words around AI agents are still landing. Some of these terms are six months old. Most product reviewers get them slightly wrong. Here is the plain version.
- AI agentAn AI agent is software that uses a large language model to hold a conversation, decide what action to take next, and call real tools (like a calendar or a payment system) to do it.
- AI assistantAn AI assistant is a software agent that uses an LLM to help with tasks through conversation. The most common consumer examples are ChatGPT and Claude.
- LLM (large language model)A large language model is a program trained on huge amounts of text that can hold a conversation, summarize, draft, and reason in natural language.
- MCP (Model Context Protocol)MCP is the open standard that lets AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude talk to outside services (calendars, shops, booking systems) in a consistent way.
- A2A (Agent2Agent Protocol)A2A is the protocol that lets two AI agents talk to each other — for example, one calendar agent scheduling with another calendar agent.
- Agent cardAn agent card is a small JSON file at /.well-known/agent.json that tells other AIs what an agent is called, what it can do, and how to talk to it.
- llms.txtAn llms.txt file is a plain-text summary of a website written for AI crawlers — the same way robots.txt is written for search engine crawlers.
- OpenAPIOpenAPI is the standard format for describing what an API does, so any tool (or AI) can read it and know how to make calls.
- Tool callingTool calling (or function calling) is when an AI model decides to call a real piece of code instead of just generating text — like checking a calendar before suggesting times.
- Function callingFunction calling is when an AI model picks a function from a list, fills in the inputs from the conversation, and asks the runtime to execute it.
- RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation)RAG is a pattern where the AI looks up relevant information first, then uses it to answer — like an open-book exam.
- System promptA system prompt is the instructions you give an AI before any conversation starts, telling it who it is and how to behave.
- Prompt engineeringPrompt engineering is the practice of writing instructions for AI that get reliable, useful results.
- Conversational AIConversational AI is software that talks to people in natural language, usually combining a language model with retrieval and tool use.
- ChatbotA chatbot is a program that holds a back-and-forth conversation. Old chatbots used scripts; modern ones use AI.
- Link in bioA link in bio is the single URL a creator puts in their social media profile, pointing to a page that lists or hosts everything else.
- Conversational link in bioA conversational link in bio is a bio link page that talks back — an AI agent in the creator's voice handles visitors instead of a list of static links.
- AI receptionistAn AI receptionist is software that greets your visitors, answers their questions, and handles small admin tasks the way a human receptionist would.
- Voice cloning (AI)Voice cloning in the AI business context means matching the way you write and talk — not your literal voice. The AI is trained on samples so its replies sound like you.
- Lead magnetA lead magnet is a free thing (PDF, guide, mini course) you offer in exchange for someone's contact info.
- Lead qualificationLead qualification is figuring out whether a new inquiry is the kind of customer you actually want to work with, before spending time on them.
- DM automationDM automation is software that responds to direct messages on Instagram, LinkedIn, or other platforms automatically, usually based on keywords or AI.
- Comment-to-DMComment-to-DM is the workflow where a comment on a social post (like 'PLAN') triggers an automatic direct message to the person who commented.
- Custom GPTA custom GPT is a personalized version of ChatGPT you can configure with your own instructions, files, and tool connections, then share with others.
- Booking pageA booking page lets people pick a time on your calendar without going back and forth. Calendly and Cal.com made the format popular.
- Inbound marketingInbound marketing is attracting customers by being useful (content, search results, social presence) instead of chasing them with ads.
- Marketing funnelA funnel is the path someone takes from first hearing about you to becoming a customer. Top is awareness, middle is consideration, bottom is purchase.
- GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)GEO is the practice of getting your content cited and recommended by AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity) the way SEO got you ranked on Google.
- Agent discoveryAgent discovery is how AI tools find and understand other agents, usually via standard files like agent.json, llms.txt, and OpenAPI documents.
- Agentic commerceAgentic commerce is the emerging pattern where AI agents transact on behalf of humans — a user tells ChatGPT 'book me a coaching call' and the AI finds and books on their behalf.
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