This is one of LinkedIn’s most commonly debated questions, and the answer is a bit nuanced.
What LinkedIn’s Official Policy Says
Technically, no.
LinkedIn’s terms of service state that you should only connect with people you know and trust in a professional capacity.
When you send a connection request, you’re essentially confirming that you know this person.
If someone marks your request as “I don’t know this person,” it counts against you and can lead to account restrictions or even suspension if it happens repeatedly.
What Actually Happens in Practice
In reality, many people connect with those they don’t personally know and do so successfully.
LinkedIn has evolved into a networking platform where connecting with industry peers, potential clients, collaborators, and thought leaders you haven’t met is common practice.
The key is doing it thoughtfully and professionally.
How to Connect With People You Don’t Know (Without Getting Flagged)
If you’re going to reach out to people outside your existing network, follow these guidelines:
Avoid connecting with 3rd-degree connections and beyond – People who share no mutual connections with you are far more likely to reject your request or mark it as “I don’t know this person.” Stick to 2nd-degree connections where possible, as you already have common ground through a mutual connection.
Optimise your profile first – Before you send any requests, make sure your profile is complete and professional. People will look at your profile before deciding whether to accept. They need to see immediately who you are, what you do, and why connecting with you might be valuable. An incomplete or unprofessional profile is the quickest way to get rejected.
Never send sales messages in your connection request – This cannot be stressed enough. Messages that pitch products, services, or meetings in the initial request get declined and flagged almost immediately. Focus on building a genuine connection first.
Choose people with mutual connections – The more connections you have in common with someone, the more likely they are to accept your request. Mutual connections provide social proof and context for why you’re reaching out.
Always personalise your message – Generic requests get ignored. Mention a mutual connection, a piece of content they shared, their company, or a shared interest. Make it clear you’ve taken the time to understand who they are and why you’d like to connect.
Final Thought
Whilst LinkedIn’s official stance is that you should only connect with people you know, the platform has become a space for professional networking beyond existing relationships.
You can successfully connect with people you don’t know – just be strategic, respectful, and thoughtful in your approach.
Focus on relevance over volume, always add value, and never treat LinkedIn like a cold-calling database.
Done properly, connecting with new people can open doors to opportunities, knowledge, and collaborations you’d never have access to otherwise.