You've checked off the last item on your punch list and the design job is complete. You've exceeded your client's expectations and have once again delivered an end product that you both can be proud of. Now what? The scenario reminds me of a scene in a movie: After a span of time in courtship, a couple stands face to face for what looks like the prelude to a marriage proposal. The look on his face shows his nervous excitement about how great things have been, yet he's afraid to ask for a long term commitment. Do you go through a similar situation when you face a client at the end of a design job?

Let's go back to the scene for a moment. It may be a span of thirty seconds that he stands before her shuffling back and forth, but it feels like an eternity. Here's a snippet of the million questions firing off in his mind.

"Did she enjoy our time as much as I did?"

"Am I the person she wants to be with forever?"

"Will she be excited about sharing the news with her family and friends?"

"Does she know how much I truly appreciate her?"

Do you the same questions run through your client's mind in that final stage of a design project? You will never know, until you ask. Let's examine each question as it related to your client-designer relationship:

"Did she enjoy our time as much as I did?"
Conducting a short exit interview with a client answers this question and is an extremely valuable tool. For a client, it shows how much you care about the level of service you provide. For you, it is a learning tool that provides a telling account of your strong points and perhaps reveals areas for improvement. Feedback, both favorable and unfavorable, is beneficial to your business. Ask the client for a written testimonial.

"Am I the person she wants to be with forever?"
Based on the feedback, you will have an idea if the client would want to work with you again and again. Even if there have been bumps in the road, now is your last opportunity for client recovery. Were you dependable? Did you earn your client's trust? Are you a good communicator? Does your client value your expert opinion? If so, ask about their future design needs. For example, "What about the kitchen?" or "Can we start brainstorming about Phase 2?" If not, ask your clients how you can make the experience better for future opportunities.

"Will she be excited about sharing the news with her family and friends?"
Unfortunately, people tend to be much more vocal when they have had a negative experience than when they have a positive experience. So while your client is beaming with excitement, it's a good idea to ask for the referral. Having a reward-based referral program in place not only provides your client an incentive to spread the word about your company but also lessens the time and money spent on courting new customers and sales. Every client may not be a good fit. I tend to ask the clients who I enjoyed working with for referrals with hopes that they have friends with similar tastes and great attitudes. Again, A-S-K just ask. A happy client will do their best to share their resources and contacts in order to help you.

"Does she know how much I truly appreciate her?"
Show and tell your client how much you value their business. By now, you have learned your client's love language – meaning their likes and what they value most. It is completely at your discretion to determine the monetary value of the gift or it could be more beneficial to provide a sentimental expression of thanks. You know your client best. One of the realtors I work with hosts a client appreciation gathering and often partners with preferred vendors to introduce clients to her other resources. Consider sharing costs with vendors help to defray the expense if you choose to host a more elaborate event.

Deciding at the beginning of a job how you want your client to feel about you when the project is complete helps to shape the way you provide stellar service. No matter how successful your business is, you should never stop making improvements in the area of customer service. How will you influence your client to say yes?

Top photo: west elm Wrap Office Chair and desk accessories; Middle photo: Williams-Sonoma Home Hampstead Bed; Bottom photo: pottery barn kids Catalina Storage Desk and Large Hutch with desk accessories.

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Atlanta-based interior designer, writer, and philanthropist, Erika Ward worked in the design-build industry as an accountant before turning her passion for interior design into a successful business. Named by Atlanta Tribune as having one of the top design firms of 2011, Erika’s work has appeared in the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine, and on HGTV.com. In addition to providing decorating advice and inspiration on her internationally recognized blog, BlulabelBungalow.com she is also called upon for her design advice for publications such as SheKnows.com, houzz.com, Heart and Soul Magazine, and Atlanta Tastemaker Magazine. In 2010, Erika co-founded Room Service Atlanta, a non-profit group of interior designers and design enthusiasts who provide pro-bono services to Metro Atlanta shelters. A social media maven, you can also chat with Erika on Twitter and Facebook.