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

I sent 14 messages on a professional network and got two replies. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I worry about bothering people. How do you phrase the request?

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.