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

I sent 16 messages on a professional network and got two replies. Some people reply with short answers. Did any turn into leads?

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

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