Networking without feeling pushy - 12 months and counting

I sent 6 messages on a professional network and got two replies. I am in Tulsa, in case local advice matters. I want advice, not a job directly. What did you ask?

I wrote three short lines: who I am, why them and a small ask for fifteen minutes. About one in four said yes.

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 12 months ago, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.