Let's face it, nobody actually needs 500+ LinkedIn connections. It makes you look popular, sure, but your professional success this year will count on a few dozen key relationships. That's why it's so important to retain a consistent focus on your pipeline. Don't rely on your memory to keep track of these people. (Most of us can barely remember what we had for lunch yesterday.) Use a system, such as CRM or pipeline management so that your most important relationships are organized and your plan of attack is clear.