Cold messages to people in my field, do they work? after 5 years as an IT help-desk technician

I sent 5 messages on a professional network and got two replies. There are 5 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. Some people reply with short answers. Did any turn into leads?

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