With tools such as Linked In and twitter, there can be some bragging rights in having a lot of contacts or followers. Having a broad base of contacts can certainly help build brand, which is important.  It’s also a good way to make sure that you are up to date with what your contacts are thinking and if they change roles etc.
But more important is the 10 to 20 contacts that really matter. These are the contacts that will sustain you with work opportunities and introductions; either directly or through referral. Focusing the majority of your relationship building effort on these 10 to 20 is the key to your future success.
The challenge is that most people do not clearly define their top 10 or 20 contacts and are not diligent in maintaining contact and following up. To build a strong network, consistency is key.