I went into blogging with certain goals in mind, but after 6 months I have gotten more from it then I would have ever imagined, and so can you. When I started my blog, there were three reasons behind it. 1. To improve my writing skills 2. Get my opinionated ideas on paper, in an effort to free up my co-workers time. 3. So I could have two-way conversations with people about marketing ideas (Twitter does this now)
Here is a link to the first post that explains it a little more.
What I did not plan on getting out of blogging was the ability to refine my thoughts and communicate them more clearly, not only in writing but also in conversation. I don't know why I did not expect this to happen, but it has been the biggest benefit I received from blogging, and I think you would as well.
We all have thousands of ideas storming around our heads all day (and sometimes night) long. We like to think we can recall them when needed, but we can't always do that.
If we can recall those ideas they are not always well fleshed out or thought through. Certainly nothing you could use in a meeting with a client, unless you put a lot more time into developing them. By writing your ideas down, it helps you develop them materialize them and put them in a part of cognitive memory you can actually use.
Of course this is nothing new. People have been saying to journal thoughts for thousands of years. What's great about a blog however, is that you have other people reading those thoughts, and improving upon them. You also have somewhat of an accountability network to keep you going.
So if you don't blog, give it a try for a few days. Just go to http://posterous.com or http://wordpress.com/ and set one up. Or if you already blog, do it more often. (trying to take my own advice)
You will be amazed how when in meetings, or in talking with friends, you will all of a sudden start quoting your blog post. It's like having a support group of ideas ready to help you when needed. Best of all they're your ideas!