The key to dealing with difficult clients is preventing problems from escalating. Defuse or solve problems as soon as they arise so they don't turn into major crises. Learn to recognize the warning signs of a difficult client as soon as they appear, so you can deal with them at the outset.

Some clients may start out behaving like difficult lions, but you can turn them into lambs if you know how to deal with them. Recognize what the client needs and how she wants to be treated and act accordingly. Some clients need to feel that they're the most important client you have, whether their job is worth $1,000 or $50,000. These clients need to have their calls returned within the hour if at all humanly possible.

Since you never know how a client will influence your business in the future, aim to treat each client as if she's the most important client you have. This strategy will help you grow and become successful. Sometimes it's the small, difficult clients who turn out to be your most loyal ones and the ones who refer you the most. These clients often have influential friends and relatives who also need caterers.

The best way to deal with demanding clients is to take several deep breaths and smile before you say or do anything. Ask yourself whether the client is being reasonable or ridiculous. If you realize that the client is being reasonable, then accommodate her. However, if the client is being totally unreasonable, and it means the difference between running a profitable or unprofitable job, it may make sense to walk away. Refund the deposit and tell the client that you're not the right caterer for the job. Apologize and walk away gracefully. Better to cut your losses before the job than have a bigger problem later on.

Inebriated or Violent Guests

If your client or his guests are drinking too much at the event, offer them fresh coffee and plenty of water and club soda instead of more alcohol. Let the host or cohost know that some of the guests look like they've had enough. In some states, party hosts will be held legally liable for drunken guests who get into an accident after they leave the party, so check with your lawyer and insurance agent and make sure that you're protected as best as possible.

If a client or a guest becomes violent, try your best to calm him down and call for help immediately. Don't try to engage the guest yourself.

Sick or Injured Guests

If someone becomes violently ill at a party, try to help the guest and call for help immediately. Ask someone to call 911. It's better to be safe than sorry. When things quiet down a bit and the situation is under control, make sure to get her name and contact information from the host or a friend. This is essential in cases where the illness is caused by food poisoning or the guest tries to blame her illness on you.

As a caterer, you should know basic first aid and you should be trained in adult CPR and rescue breathing. Keep your certification up-to-date. Courses are taught regularly by the American Red Cross and at local community centers and schools.

If a person faints, apply moist towels to her face and neck. Position her on her back and elevate her feet. Don't slap or shake her, and don't try to give the person anything to drink, even water, until she is fully conscious.

If someone is choking, apply the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge the object. If you're not familiar with how to administer the maneuver, you can learn to do it by taking a first aid course. You can also order instructional DVDs and wallet cards from the Heimlich Institute.