How do I ask for an informational chat? after 18 years as an administrative assistant

I sent 18 messages on a professional network and got two replies. I want advice, not a job directly. Did any turn into leads?

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

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