How do I ask for an informational chat? - 11 months and counting

I sent 3 messages on a professional network and got two replies. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I want advice, not a job directly. How do you phrase the request?

I asked what they wish they had known at my stage. People enjoy answering that.

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It made the follow-up calls so much easier.