Complementary Assets

Tangible and intangible resources make up complementary assets, and it's critical for social entrepreneurs to take a complete inventory. Tangible assets are physically measurable like money, equipment and real estate.  Intangible assets are knowledge, relationships and reputation.  Brand recognition and patents straddle the two categories.

Considering these assets, the social entrepreneur may find a competitive advantage over other non-profits and may achieve the mission-related impact sooner.

Beware of operating a non-profit where the organizations with the most money wins, large entities may enter the same market late, but then begin to dominate. Its far more strategic to compete in a segment where knowledge and relationships are the key sources of competitive advantage.

Ask yourself these questions –

What complementary assets are most critical in your market of interest?

How can you build your knowledge and enhance your social capital?

What financial capital can you secure by creative means?