6 Questions We May Ask a Potential Client
Whether a potential client reaches out directly to our office by way of email, phone call, or via our form submission, there is certain information to be gathered in order to move to the next steps. Our form submission asks questions such as timing of project, location, referral source, .what type of project it is, and a brief description. These are the first touch points before we connect back to set up an initial 30-45 minute phone call to dive deeper into your project.
This first phone call is a great starting point before moving to the next steps, and determining if we’re a match. We believe a positive working relationship is essential to a successful project, and that starts at the initial call. Our team is committed to getting to know each client, and understanding their lifestyle, resulting in a design as unique as they are. The interview process is a critical step, and it's important to note how differently one designer works from the next, and that's a good thing. It truly is about finding the right fit. When we connect with our ideal client, we know we have started a relationship that will last for years to come.
As much as prospects are interviewing us, we too, are interviewing them. In addition to the questions on our form submission, here are 5 questions we may ask a potential client:
Tell us more about your project
Gaining more insight into your project and the overall scope is usually the first question we’ll ask. We’d like to learn the who, what, why, where and when of your project to discern fit on all of these levels.
Have you worked with an interior designer before? How was that experience?
This is a two fold question in order to learn about past experiences, what worked and what didn’t, what you liked vs. what you didn’t, are examples of important details for us to understand in the first phone call. Whether it’s identifying the right fit, prompting further discussion points and questions, or simply understanding expectations, this is a great way to open the lines of communication as to what we can expect from each other.
If you haven’t worked with a designer before, that’s important for us to know too! This will prompt us to share more about our value, how we work, and speak on a slightly different level than if you’ve had experience with a designer before.
Do you have a total investment in mind for your project?
Whether you have a number in mind or not, discussing a budget informs compatibility from a financial perspective. While it’s difficult to shed light on what exact fees for your project may be during the initial call, your budget number will provide insight into whether our projected fees will be a match to your budget. Having a candid conversation at the onset starts to build trust, and an understanding of the financial allocations. At Nyla Free Designs, we want to make sure we’re providing value, and sometimes, based on budget numbers, we might not be the right fit. Identifying this during our call is also important prior to moving to the next steps.
What was it about Nyla Free Designs that prompted you to call?
Was it a referral from someone who’s worked with us before, a contractor/ builder, a friend, colleague or acquaintance? Perhaps it was via Instagram or a Google search? Whatever led you to us, we’re so happy it did! We’d love to hear more about the reason you reached out, whether it was kind words spoken, our online vibe, or a specific project you felt drawn to. This helps to inform a certain connection point, and what it was about our aesthetic or working values that prompted you to feel we might be the right fit for your project.
What other interior design companies are you reaching out to?
While this might be an uncomfortable question, it’s important for us to know, and prompts further conversation. We don’t ask from a negative perspective, or in a ‘gossip-y’ way, but rather from an understanding as to who else you felt drawn to connect with. Each and every interior designer works differently, and it’s important for this to be part of our initial conversation. It’s like comparing a Granny Smith to an Ambrosia. They’re both apples, yet different colours, tastes, shapes, sizes etc. The same goes for an interior designer. There are many to choose from, it all comes down to the right fit, respecting budget, timing, aesthetic, and even personalities.
Why do you feel you need an interior designer for your project?
Whether you’ve worked with an interior designer before, and know the value, have had your contractor, or a friend/ family member recommend hiring one, or you simply see the behind the scenes, and portfolio work on a platform such as Instagram, and know that’s the look and feel you’re after, having an understanding of why you feel you need an interior designer involved in your project is great information. It’ll open up other lines of communication and context, as to how, and why, we do what we do.
Our aesthetic is fresh, modern, warm and inviting. We believe completed, polished spaces bring positivity to your everyday life, and in turn, impacts the feeling you have while enjoying your home as a family, and sharing it with friends. Our core values include transparency, integrity, communication and creativity. We specialize in mid to high end, full service, turn key interiors, whether a new home build, renovation or furnishings and decor. If you’re interested in learning more, we’d love to connect, and hear all about your project too.
