Cold messages to people in my field, do they work? - 6 months and counting

A friend suggested informational chats and I do not know how to ask. It has been a long 25 weeks. I worry about bothering people. Did any turn into leads?

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

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