Cold messages to people in my field, do they work? - 15 weeks in

I sent 11 messages on a professional network and got two replies. I worked as a production planner before this. I want advice, not a job directly. What did you ask?

Follow up with a thank-you and a short update. One of my chats led to a referral a month later.

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