I agree about being selective about your network. We all have only so much time and energy. I prefer to have deeper relationships with fewer people. In my business (ghostwriting) I may spend months with a client. The relationship is fertile ground for the emergence of the work.

In American culture we don't pay enough attention to the quality of connection we have with other people, those with whom we do business.

I remember reading Kimono Mind a book about Japan and the Japanese. They spend a lot more time considering action (and relationship) before plunging ahead with action. There is probably a ratio of thought and action that is inverse in this country. We value what we can see. We see action but we can't see thought.

The idea about large LinkedIn networks is broadcast TV mentality. If you're selling a product then a bigger (appropriate) audience the better.

But for individuals selling services, it's a different kettle of fish. And just to really mix metaphors, we can have a small tribe.

I enjoyed reading your post: good advice.