Cold messages to people in my field, do they work? after 6 years as an office manager

A friend suggested informational chats and I do not know how to ask. Thank you in advance. 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.

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It saved me later.