Bob Smith has pulled together a list of business mistakes that you want to avoid at all cost when developing healthy business relationships with footcare clients. Each can serve as a valuable lesson, maintains the owner of the Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School in Plymouth, Calif.

1. Talking only about yourself. Don’t dominate conversations with stories and comments about you, what you have done in life or in the farrier profession. Avoid comments about conflicts you’ve had with other equine professionals.

2. Revealing too much. Avoid sharing personal stories or comments, as no one wants to hear about your ex-spouse or health troubles. These personal problems don’t enhance the business relationship. Other professionals gravitate toward positive and happy people.

3. Not listening. If you’re dominating the conversation, you aren’t listening. This is particularly important if a veterinarian or trainer is attempting to discuss a problem or treatment options. Don’t jump into the middle of a sentence with a quick fix before he or she finishes.

4. Working through a conversation. Force yourself to stop whatever you are doing, make eye contact and let the other person know you’re interested in what he or she is saying. Nothing says, “I don’t care what you are saying” more than turning your back and dropping your head to continue trimming or shoeing.

5. Not looking the best you can. As the saying goes, “You know you are a horseshoer when you wash your hands before going to the bathroom.”

But that doesn’t give you…