Generating new ideas – by asking yourself ‘how is my situation/product/service like this…? How can I make use of this idea or connect it to what I’m working on?

Writing - reading different styles will help you develop your own.  What do you notice about the blogs you’re drawn to -  tone, vocabulary, length, structure, clarity, a great headline?  What could you borrow for your own writing?

Creativity – some great blogs out there (eg Creative Think) which will leave you thinking and creating all day

Learning – look for sites where you can pick up tips and suggestions – I’ve already learned loads from some of the blog writing advisory sites and know I’ll be going back for more

Networking – there are people out there who share the same interests or viewpoint as you – follow the blogs, leave a comment, make a link, build a network…

Seth Godin argues that the blog-reader is asking "how can I do what I do better?"  He says:

It’s a thirst for insight, for shortcuts and for results.

So if you’re thirsty for insight, how do you pick your way through the terrifyingly huge number of blogs out there (50 – 70 million from a quick google search… ) 

Well one way is just to pick up on links and connections from the blog that you’re starting from.  If you like that site, chances are you’ll enjoy at least some of the sites that they’re pointing you towards.  Some blog sites have blog rolls running into the dozens (if not 100s) so there’s plenty to choose from.

In that spirit of sharing I’ve added my own list in a blog roll at the left hand side of the screen – don’t worry there aren’t hundreds, just the top twelve or so that I’m currently following.

Let me know if there are other great blogs you follow and you’d like to see here.  Meantime, happy reading.