1. Networks, Value and Social Enterprise: A Brief Overview Jason Mollring SE 2 Partnership SERC: 27 June 2008

2. “According to our research, nonprofits that pursue their missions through networks of long-term, trust-based partnerships consistently achieve more sustainable mission impact with fewer resources than do monolithic organizations that try to do everything themselves” (Wei-Skillern and Marciano, 2008, Stanford Social Innovation Review)

3. Setting the Scene  SE support organisation for South East  Company Limited by Guarantee: January 2008  19 partners: networks, support orgs, govt  Simultaneous tasks 1. Thriving social enterprise environment in South East 2. Bring together and support partners (connect silos) 3. Develop a sustainable business model  MA Social Enterprise Management, LJMU  Investigate how to add value to partners & SEs  Improve viability of business model, strategy and responsiveness to stakeholders  Qualitative design for exploratory research

4. Challenges  Literature: market value and networks  Value determined by customers not suppliers  Took business perspective i.e. what would customers pay for?  Networks & partnerships relate to competitive advantage but up to 70% fail (lack clear goals)  Attempted in-depth and broad perspectives  Then quasi-statistical (code), record pattern frequency. Not perfect, based on perception  Found out  SE’s don’t know who we are; not helping partners to collaborate enough; too embedded in VCS

5. Adding Value Social Enterprises Partners SE 2 Partnership Info & Comms Market Development Stakeholder Management Network Facilitation

6. Now What?  Provided partners with research for input, debate and feedback  Key task: Create robust communications plan to promote sector, signpost to resources, communicate opportunities and threats and share knowledge  Demonstrate and communicate performance  Move from qualitative to quantitative indicators  Monitor, measure, evaluate and improve

7. Implications for the Sector  There are a plethora of networks serving the sector  Issue of sustainability for themselves  Need to understand their perceived value and what their customers want  Leads to relevant products and services, management, communications and strategy  Further research?  More clarity around 4 value activities listed above  Appropriate information & communications? Best way to develop the social enterprise marketplace?

8. Thank You Jason Mollring SE 2 Partnership Jason@se2partnership.co.uk 020 7566 1461 === MA Social Enterprise Management, LJMU http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/socialenterprise/index.htm