Will building connections with alumni, faculty, etc. help my chances of getting into Harvard?

Posted this question not necessarily for myself as I haven’t reached applying to colleges just yet. This was meant to be a general post wondering if there can be a connection between accepted applicants and faculty, alumni, etc. Haven’t heard much about this happening, probably for good reason since according to @compmom it is plain sad.

Anyway, I know that legacy status is a thing, but what about non-blood related connections? Like knowing a certain professor, etc.
In no way am I saying I’m going to go out and find a list of random Harvard Alumni/Donors or Faculty and contact them to get me into Harvard and what not.
I was just simply wondering if successful alumni that you had a connection to, per say a family friend, holds the same amount of weight that being a legacy would. That’s all.