In reply to pec:
>I had a half hour or so chat with them once and gleaned some useful advice. There was no obligation to use them again and I didn't have to sign up for anything.
Oh, just taking what can you for free, nice. Like a plumber who installs a tap and you don't actually pay him... I also never charge on first meetings and yet it's generally intended in the spirit of information gathering and a bit of a chat to see how you will get on in the longer term.
On the other hand, met with some people yesterday who, with no formal engagement, asked to pay me on the spot for my initial time. Being equally moral, I refused until we have a formal engagement. Still, it goes a long way towards building a relationship which works on both sides.