How do I ask for an informational chat? (update)

A friend suggested informational chats and I do not know how to ask. There are 11 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I want advice, not a job directly. Did any turn into leads?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it last year, and it settled down once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

Do not apologise for asking. Most people remember someone who helped them.