Initial meeting with client

I am a beginner at portraits and was wondering what the initial meeting of a client is like. I've read that most portrait artist like to spend time with the subject to get to know them. It's hard for me to comprehend how you go about this.

I would like to hear stories of how some of those situations have gone. Are there certain questions to ask? Do you spend time at their home? How long? Are there things to avoid doing or asking? In general how might the whole process go including possible sketching as well as a photo session?

Thanks,

Kent Curole
[email protected]