Cold messages to people in my field, do they work? - 16 weeks in

A friend suggested informational chats and I do not know how to ask. Any experience at all would help. I want advice, not a job directly. Did any turn into leads?

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

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