For Stephen Harris, a marketing technology director in Whippany, N.J., writing blogs is a form of forced continuing education. His newest blog at www.think-ebiz.com focuses on his professional world, and he says that researching and writing on a regular basis helps him deepen his expertise. What might happen from that? Possibly being quoted in the press (like right here) or being invited to speak at trade shows or even being approached for new career opportunities. "It makes you stand out more," he says.

He also writes a blog on business networking, as well as one in real time on Thursday nights, featuring his live commentary about the Donald Trump reality television show, "The Apprentice." Other viewers join him, sharing comments like, "I can't believe he did that," or "I knew he was going to get fired."