How to Connect on LinkedIn without Knowing the Person?

So I was asked too many times by my friends and clients how to connect on LinkedIn without knowing the person. Well, all of us try our best to expand our connections because it is known that networking is the best strategy when you are targeting a company while you are job hunting. You can always contact those connections who you neglected during your busiest professional times, and you can choose to connect with some new people. The more people in your network, the more potential opportunities you might have.

It is not recommended to connect with someone on LinkedIn without knowing them. However, if you still want to connect, you can try sending them a personalized message explaining why you would like to connect and how you think you can help each other professionally. Another way is to find mutual connections and ask for an introduction or look for common interests and join relevant LinkedIn groups.

LinkedIn didn’t really support contact with people the members didn’t know. In fact, the warning that said: “Don’t invite people you do not know to join your network.” Was in their term of use until 2018. But then Plus One Pledge launched, and they decided to encourage the users to contact people out of their safe zone.

This is what LinkedIn says about this plus one pledge plan: “At LinkedIn, we believe that two people with equal talent should have equal access to opportunity.

But some people don’t have the right connections or community to help them land the job they want. That’s why we’re inviting our members to take the Plus One Pledge.

If we reach outside of our networks, we can level the playing field and help close the network gap.”

Connecting with people you know is fine but is that enough? Not at all. There is such a huge opportunity pool out of your connection network that it is stupid to ignore.

So we will give you some directions on how to connect on LinkedIn without knowing the person.

This worked for hundreds of people and you might become one of them, but we are not guaranteeing a 100% success rate, maybe 40% to 60%? Which is still so good and worth testing, right?

How to connect on LinkedIn without knowing the person?

Alright, so LinkedIn is a perfect way to contact friends, colleagues, like-minded people, and potential employers (that you don’t know). Now, there is no magic formula in the box; there are just points you need to bear in mind while writing a personal note for a connection request.

• You must prove yourself worthy enough to compel that person to contact you. things like having valuable connections (who they might want to work with), if you have a job vacancy in your company that they might be suitable to occupy, or any other details that might encourage them to accept your invitation.
• Keep it short and to the point. Every request has a limitation of 300 characters, so please keep your message short and to the point. Aim for the correct point.
• Tell them who you are and highlight your everyday things. Tell them how you found them (try to make them feel that you personally chose them) like you’ve met them at a conference, an event, a LinkedIn group, or if you are working in the same industry or having the same job. The latter acts like a great catalyst.
• Spend some time on the invitation. I mean, I personally never respond to the requests that the writer didn’t even bother to write a customized sentence in. you know, like when they just write “I’d like to connect with you on LinkedIn ”, these sentences never really work!
• Please tell them your reasons that made you want to contact them. What is the purpose? Are they in your dream industry? Did you two study at the same school? Do you need an informational interview?

Remember these points to have successful contact with strangers on LinkedIn. Some people may also say: “hey, LinkedIn is a very huge social platform; how are we to choose who to contact, considering the 30,000 first connections limitation?” Well, let’s answer that as well, shall we?

The people who you must contact on LinkedIn?

We live in a virtual world now. Where somehow, everything we do depends on the internet and the connections we have.

We order food online, consult online, find jobs online, and even find new friends online.

Who can tell that their real friends outnumber their online friends? Having a lot of connections can get you some perfect opportunities on a platform like LinkedIn.

But LinkedIn has a limitation of 30,000 first connections in its terms, so it’s better to choose the more beneficial people to contact. Now there are some people who you must connect with on LinkedIn to build a professional network:

Experts who you know. They can be your colleagues, your friends, your neighbor, someone you met at an event, etc., which somehow link your real-life contacts to the virtual ones. These people know you and your work, and they will probably accept your invitation.

The other category is the professional who is not in the people you know circle, but you still like to know them. You might get triggered by their strong profile or their speech at a conference; you may have a lot in common with them or just got inspired by them. Well, they are the perfect connections; what are you waiting for?

The third group is the people who have a vast amount of connections. This might sound nonsense, but these people can act as an intermediary between you and other people you might want to communicate with but don’t know them.

Don’t forget the people who just started a small startup; no one can be sure of what the future brings.

I mean, even Microsoft and Google were small businesses at first, and look what they became some years later.

So if you think someone who started a small business has potential, why not add them to your connections?

What about the recruiters? Of course, you should connect with them. These are people who will get you a decent job.

They just have to be in your industry or your desired one, and you need to mind their reputation.

Ask your connections to see if they know the recruiter in your mind, and you can also view their profile.

Related Questions & Answers

Sample LinkedIn Connection Requests

When sending a connection request on LinkedIn, it’s important to personalize your message to make a positive impression. Here’s a sample LinkedIn connection request:

“Hi [Name],

I came across your profile and was impressed by your expertise in [specific field or industry]. I would love to connect and learn more from your insights. Your experience aligns perfectly with my professional interests, and I believe we could mutually benefit from connecting.

Looking forward to connecting and potentially exploring ways to collaborate or exchange industry knowledge.

Best regards, [Your Name]”

Remember to tailor the message to each individual and highlight any shared interests or relevant connections. Keep the message concise, polite, and professional, and avoid using generic or salesy language. Personalizing your connection requests can increase the chances of building meaningful professional relationships on LinkedIn.

Free LinkedIn Connections

LinkedIn does not offer a direct method to obtain free connections, as the platform values genuine professional connections and discourages spam or random connection requests. However, there are strategies to expand your network organically:

1. Personalize your connection requests: When reaching out to professionals, customize your message to explain why you want to connect and how you can mutually benefit each other’s professional growth. This personalized approach increases the chances of receiving a positive response.
2. Engage in relevant discussions: Participate in industry-related groups and engage in conversations by sharing valuable insights, commenting on posts, and offering meaningful contributions. This can help you establish connections with like-minded professionals and expand your network.
3. Attend networking events and conferences: Attend industry events or virtual conferences where you can meet professionals in your field. Exchange business cards or connect with them on LinkedIn afterwards to maintain the connection.

Remember, building a strong and meaningful network on LinkedIn takes time and effort. Focus on quality connections and nurturing relationships rather than simply amassing a large number of connections.

Conclusion

So this article told you how to connect on LinkedIn without knowing the person and who are the most beneficial people who we must connect on LinkedIn. As we said at the beginning, the success rate is less than 60%.

But it is still much better to remember the points we told you when you are sending a connection request. So find those people who you want to connect with and send that request.

FAQ

Can I connect with someone I don’t know on LinkedIn?

Yes, you can connect with someone you don’t know on LinkedIn, but it’s generally recommended to do so with a personalized and respectful invitation. When sending a connection request to someone you haven’t met, include a brief message explaining why you’d like to connect or expressing your interest in their work or industry. Personalizing your request helps establish a connection and increases the likelihood of it being accepted. However, be mindful of not sending too many unsolicited requests, as LinkedIn has guidelines on acceptable connection practices to prevent spam.

How to send a connection request on LinkedIn to someone you don t know?

To send a connection request on LinkedIn to someone you don’t know, follow these steps:

1. Search for the Person: Use the LinkedIn search bar to find the person you want to connect with.
2. Click on Their Profile: Click on their profile to access their LinkedIn page.
3. Click “Connect”: You’ll see a blue “Connect” button on their profile. Click on it.
4. Personalize Your Request: LinkedIn will give you the option to add a note. It’s highly recommended to personalize your request with a brief message. Mention why you want to connect or how you might be mutually beneficial connections. A personalized message increases the likelihood of your request being accepted.
5. Send the Request: After personalizing your request, click “Send Invitation.”
6. Wait for Acceptance: The person will receive your request and can choose to accept or decline it. If they accept, you’ll be connected on LinkedIn.

Remember to be respectful and professional in your request, even if you don’t know the person personally. Building a meaningful network on LinkedIn often starts with a courteous introduction.

How to connect with someone on LinkedIn you haven t seen in awhile?

To reconnect with someone on LinkedIn whom you haven’t seen in a while, follow these steps:

1. Search for Their Profile: Use the LinkedIn search bar to find their profile.
2. Review Their Profile: Take a moment to review their profile to refresh your memory about their background and experiences.
3. Click “Connect”: Visit their profile and click on the “Connect” button. You may need to send a personalized message if you are not connected yet, which is a good practice.
4. Personalize Your Message: When sending the connection request, consider adding a personalized message. Remind them of how you know each other or mention a shared experience or interest. A friendly and personalized message can make your request more memorable.
5. Wait for Acceptance: Once you’ve sent the request, wait for them to accept it. If they do, you’ll be reconnected on LinkedIn.

Reconnecting with past contacts on LinkedIn can be a valuable way to expand and strengthen your professional network.

Should I only connect with people I know on LinkedIn

While it’s common to connect with people you know on LinkedIn, you don’t have to limit your connections to just acquaintances. LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, and it’s acceptable to connect with people you haven’t met in person but share professional interests or goals. However, it’s essential to maintain the quality of your connections by sending personalized connection requests and engaging with meaningful connections rather than indiscriminately connecting with everyone. Be mindful of your networking goals and consider whether a connection can provide value or insights to your professional journey. Balancing a mix of people you know and those who align with your professional interests can help you make the most of LinkedIn.

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