Cold messages to people in my field, do they work? - 14 months and counting

A friend suggested informational chats and I do not know how to ask. It has been a long 13 weeks. I want advice, not a job directly. Did any turn into leads?

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

Do not apologise for asking. Most people remember someone who helped them.