Absolutely. My very modest blog (manypossibilities.net) has helped me maintain an independent perspective and brand. The real value of the blog is the opportunity to reflect and synthesize ideas that have been percolating in your brain. I find writing very hard but every piece I have written has brought me satisfaction in having distilled something, if only for myself. It is also true that giving away real value to others in any small way through your blog/website is something that will come back to you a thousand times.