Networking without feeling pushy - 4 months and counting

A friend suggested informational chats and I do not know how to ask. It has been weighing on me all week. I worry about bothering people. Did any turn into leads?

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

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