How do I ask for an informational chat? - what worked for you?

A friend suggested informational chats and I do not know how to ask. I worked as an administrative assistant before this. 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.

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