Cold messages to people in my field, do they work? - 9 months and counting

A friend suggested informational chats and I do not know how to ask. There are 17 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I worry about bothering people.

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

I asked what they wish they had known at my stage. People enjoy answering that.