Cold messages to people in my field, do they work? - what worked for you?

A friend suggested informational chats and I do not know how to ask. There are 7 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I want advice, not a job directly. How do you phrase the request?

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

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It made the follow-up calls so much easier.