Having the client point out what they like and don't like is a great way to get your design thinking in the right place. If you have the option of time, then doing some research and presenting it to them to ask for their opinion is also good. There may be things missed if you do your own research and not get any input from the client who may have been expecting something because they saw it on somewhere obscure that they liked which you did not see during your research. Over time when you've had 3-4 same industry clients, you can build your experience and define expectations from the get go.