Quick Answer
Connecting with strangers on LinkedIn is generally not considered rude as long as you do it respectfully and with relevant intent. The purpose of LinkedIn is to network professionally, so most users expect connection requests from people they don’t know personally. However, it’s best to customize your invite with a note explaining who you are and why you want to connect. Mass connection requests or overly salesy pitches could come across as irritating or suspicious. As long as you approach new connections professionally and thoughtfully, networking with strangers on LinkedIn can be an effective way to grow your professional community.
In-Depth Answer
LinkedIn can be an invaluable platform for expanding your professional network and making valuable connections within your industry. With over 722 million members, there are abundant opportunities to connect with professionals around the globe. However, some LinkedIn users disagree on the etiquette of reaching out to strangers to connect. Here we’ll explore both perspectives on this debated topic:
Why Some View Connecting with Strangers as Rude
Some people argue that initiating contact with someone you don’t know on LinkedIn is presumptuous or inappropriate. Here are some key reasons why:
- It can come across as overly salesy or promotional. If a connection request is accompanied by a generic message like “I’d like to add you to my professional network,” it can seem like you’re only interested in increasing your connection count rather than establishing a mutually beneficial relationship.
- It may be perceived as thoughtless or lazy. Taking the time to customize your request and explain who you are shows more consideration for the recipient’s time.
- The recipient may prefer more meaningful connections. Some people like to reserve their network only for people they know personally or have interacted with already.
- It could be seen as intrusive. If someone has a more private personality, they may feel their personal space is being encroached upon by an unsolicited contact request.
- The intent may seem suspicious. Recipients who get a lot of connection requests from strangers may be wary of spam or phishing attempts.
Essentially, those who view stranger connection requests negatively feel they betray a lack of courtesy or sincerity, or could indicate ulterior motives. However, others argue there are polite, professional ways to initiate new connections.
Why Connecting with Strangers Can Be Appropriate
Many LinkedIn users agree that connecting with people outside your existing network is acceptable and beneficial if done properly. Reasons it can be advantageous include:
- It allows you to expand your professional circle. Meeting new contacts is essential for growth and opportunity.
- It helps you get introduced to someone’s network. Even if the direct connection doesn’t pan out, they may be able to introduce you to valuable contacts.
- It increases your visibility. Being connected gives mutual access to each other’s networks.
- It can spark valuable partnerships. That stranger may end up becoming a helpful business connection.
- It’s part of what LinkedIn is for. Networking with professionals in your industry is a core purpose of the platform.
These benefits make connecting with previously unknown contacts well worth the effort. According to LinkedIn, accepted connection requests between members who don’t know each other have increased 40% in just two years. However, it needs to be executed carefully to avoid causing offense.
Best Practices for Politely Connecting
If you want to connect with strangers in a considerate and professional manner, here are some tips:
- Personalize your request. Include a customized message explaining who you are, why you want to connect, and how you could mutually support each other.
- Reference common ground. Note any shared connections, groups, or interests you have in common to show the request is relevant.
- Be transparent. Make your intentions clear so they understand why you want to connect.
- Follow up after connecting. Send a friendly message to start a dialogue and offer value.
- Provide value. Share useful information and be willing to help them just as you hope they will help you.
- Respect boundaries. Accept a “No” graciously if someone declines your request.
Making the extra effort to personalize your outreach demonstrates sincerity, sets a collaborative tone, and helps the recipient understand why accepting the connection could benefit them too.
When Is It Better to Avoid Connecting?
While in most scenarios thoughtfully connecting with previously unknown LinkedIn members is perfectly acceptable, there are some situations where it may be better avoided:
- The person has a very small network, indicating they prefer to keep it exclusive.
- Their profile clearly says they do not accept invites from people they don’t know.
- You have nothing in common professionally that would warrant connecting.
- Your primary motive is to make a sale rather than establish a mutually beneficial relationship.
- You intend to send mass connection requests just to bolster your numbers.
- You would feel uncomfortable if the situation was reversed.
Essentially, be sensitive to any cues indicating the person values their privacy, does not want to connect with strangers, or would gain no obvious value from the connection. Pay attention to profile details and don’t make requests where there is no clear professional relevance.
In What Situations Is It More Acceptable?
While you should always be thoughtful when connecting with new contacts, some situations make it more natural to reach out to strangers:
- After meeting someone in person at an event, even briefly
- If you have a shared connection who could introduce you
- When you have overlapping professional memberships or groups
- If the person works at a company you are interested in
- When collaborating on a project where connecting could be mutually beneficial
- If you have a relevant job opportunity to discuss
- After interacting repeatedly on LinkedIn posts or in groups
Having these types of commonalities helps provide context for your connection request so it does not seem random or unwarranted.
Should You Send a Follow-Up Message After Connecting?
In most cases, yes, you should send a message after someone accepts your connection invitation. There are a few reasons why following up is recommended:
- It opens the lines of communication so you can get to know each other better.
- It allows you to express your appreciation for them accepting.
- It demonstrates genuine interest in establishing a relationship.
- It gives you a chance to share something valuable like an article or resource.
- It prevents the connection from stagnating by proactively engaging.
A simple follow-up like “Thanks for connecting! I enjoyed reading about your experience with XYZ on your profile. Let me know if there are any ways I can be helpful as part of your network” keeps things friendly and on a positive note. You can also use the follow-up message to arrange a phone or video chat. Investing this extra effort cements you as a thoughtful networker.
However, if they connected back without any prompting from you, there may be less need for an immediate follow-up message. Use your best judgment based on the specific circumstances.
How Soon After Connecting Should You Follow Up?
It’s best to follow up within a week or less after connecting with your new contact. You want to strike a balance between reaching out while it’s still fresh, and allowing some time to pass so you’re not overbearing. A few guidelines on timing:
- Following up the same or next day may seem hasty or overly eager.
- Waiting 1-3 days allows you to draft a thoughtful message while still being timely.
- 1 week hits the sweet spot of showing significant interest but still being patient.
- 2 weeks or more may make you seem indifferent and make the interaction less meaningful.
People’s inboxes fill up fast, so following up within 3-7 days usually allows your message to stand out at the right time. Reach out while your connection is still somewhat top of mind for them.
What Are Some Sample Follow-Up Messages to Use?
Here are some examples of friendly, professional follow-up messages you can send after connecting on LinkedIn:
- “Hi [name], thank you for connecting! I appreciate you accepting my invite. I’d love to learn more about your experience working with [company or role]. Let me know if you’d be open to chatting over the phone sometime. I’m happy to share some insights on [your industry] as well.”
- “Great to connect with you, [name]! I really enjoyed reading about your background in [field]. I have a few ideas on how we could potentially collaborate going forward and would love to set up a call to discuss. Are you available for a quick video chat next Tuesday or Wednesday?”
- “Thanks for accepting my invite, [name]. It was great to discover our shared connection, [mutual connection name]. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the industry’s direction given your diverse experience at [company names]. Feel free to reach out if you ever want to bounce around ideas!”
- “Appreciate you connecting! I’m looking forward to learning more about your work with [cause area] – it’s an issue I care deeply about as well. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if there are ways I can contribute my skills to support your important work. I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for opportunities to collaborate going forward.”
Personalize the message by referencing their profile, industry, connections, or any common interests. Offering to provide value upfront can help strengthen the new relationship.
Key Takeaways
- Connecting with strangers is generally acceptable on LinkedIn, given the platform’s purpose for professional networking.
- Personalize connection requests to show respect for the recipient’s time.
- Be clear about your intentions and how you could mutually support each other.
- Avoid connecting where no obvious common ground exists.
- Follow up after connecting to start a dialogue and offer value.
- Focus on building a two-way relationship, not just expanding your network.
With the right approach, connecting with previously unknown professionals can expand your opportunities and lead to valuable relationships. Just be sure to do it professionally and thoughtfully. Networking on LinkedIn can open many doors when done properly and politely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it ever ok to mass connect with strangers on LinkedIn?
No, sending mass connection requests is widely frowned upon. It comes across as inconsiderate and raises suspicions about your motives. Always personalize your outreach.
How many pending invites should you have at one time?
As a rule of thumb, try to keep pending invitations under 100. Beyond that you risk seeming desperate or not selective enough about who you connect with.
Is there a connection limit on LinkedIn?
Yes, free LinkedIn accounts are limited to 30,000 connections. Paid premium accounts can connect with up to 60,000 people.
Should you connect with someone who views your profile but doesn’t connect themselves?
Proactively connecting in this scenario is fine, as they likely won’t view it as intrusive since they visited you first. Include a customized message explaining why you want to connect.
Can connections see the other people you are connected to?
Yes, your 1st-level connections have access to your full connections list. Obscuring this info requires adjusting your privacy settings.