I recently saw a wonderful and inspiring video clip about The Living Bridge of Cherrapunji, a small town in the Meghalaya state of India.

It captures amazing scenery and a captivating human story. And yet, I think it also provides a great lesson in entrepreneurship.

I believe that entrepreneurs, who really want to make a difference in this world, should adopt the following attributes of “The Living Bridge”:

• Solve a real critical problem or need that people have. Otherwise, they will not want your product, and will definitely not pay for it.

• Build something that will live and grow for hundreds of years. Don’t aim for a quick exit. Have a vision of how your idea will change people’s lives even after you’re gone. Build it to last.

•  Do it for a greater cause than your own immediate gain – have a truly meaningful purpose that will inspire and motivate others to join and support your cause. To quote Steve Jobs: “We’re here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise, why else even be here?”

• Invest in the future of your community for generations to come. Be socially and environmentally responsible. Leave a legacy.
  

What living bridge are you building?