☛ Contact the person by phone or email.

☛ Mention how you got his/her name.

☛ Ask whether it is a good time to talk for a few minutes.

☛ Emphasize that you are looking for information, not a job.

☛ Ask for a convenient time to have a 20-30 minute appointment.

☛ Be ready to ask questions on the spot if the person says it is a good time for him/her and that s/he will not be readily available otherwise.