Ask a better question
The quality of a professional discussion depends on the shape of the question that starts it.
Context earns a useful answer
A question such as ‘Which supplier is best?’ gives the community very little to work with. Explain what is being bought, the operating geography and the requirement that is difficult to meet. Those details make it possible for another professional to offer experience rather than a guess.
Say what you have tried
Describe the approaches already considered and the remaining uncertainty. This prevents an exchange from repeating work you have already done. It also gives participants a way to challenge an assumption without needing access to confidential documents.
Return with a conclusion
A discussion becomes a resource when the person who asked the question returns with what changed. Share the learning, acknowledge useful contributions and explain any limits. This closes the loop and helps the next professional facing a related problem.