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

A friend suggested informational chats and I do not know how to ask. I worked as an IT help-desk technician before this. Some people reply with short answers. Did any turn into leads?

Do not apologise for asking. Most people remember someone who helped them.

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