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

A friend suggested informational chats and I do not know how to ask. I am in Buffalo, in case local advice matters. Some people reply with short answers. What did you ask?

I wrote three short lines: who I am, why them and a small ask for fifteen minutes. About one in four said yes.

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