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

I sent 16 messages on a professional network and got two replies. This is my first time dealing with any of this. I worry about bothering people. Did any turn into leads?

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

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