How do I ask for an informational chat? - 4 months and counting

A friend suggested informational chats and I do not know how to ask. I am in St. Louis, in case local advice matters. Some people reply with short answers. What did you ask?

I wrote three short lines: who I am, why them and a small ask for fifteen minutes. About one in four said yes.

Follow up with a thank-you and a short update. One of my chats led to a referral a month later.