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 do not usually post, so bear with me. Some people reply with short answers.

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 2 months ago, and it settled down once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

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