How it feels to be a first-time Sitecore MVP?

01/28/2022: Everyone has that “pinch me” moment, and this is one of mine. It was surreal checking my Inbox and seeing that I received a message that I was selected as a Sitecore MVP. My first reaction was sheer elation - I couldn’t stop smiling and jumping up and down. As I was trying to absorb the fact that Sitecore understands my work and gave me recognition, I was trying to figure out how to share this amazing news with my loved ones. I went to my husband first -- and said "Hey, you know that every year Sitecore honors MVPs who contribute significantly to its community... this year they have chosen me." I am sure when you become a Sitecore MVP, you feel the same way. I remember reading about the new Sitecore MVP program and I was very excited to be a part of this high-level panel of experts. Hope after reading my blog you will have an idea about what a Sitecore MVP does and what you can do to accomplish these goals in your career. 

It's a Game-Changer 

Never have I ever felt so important in my life. That one tweet/LinkedIn message that I wrote to announce my achievement elevated my name amongst other Sitecore stars. It is a recognition of the experience and expertise that you hold. I received so many congratulatory messages from people around the world. It is such a confidence and morale booster, I feel so much more confident in my conversations with other Sitecore MVPs. Everyone’s been so supportive and excited for me. I feel like a rock star. All the confidence and knowledge I’ve gained as an MVP has given me a boost of energy to keep doing what I love! 

It's time to say Thank You! 

I was introduced to the Sitecore community by my friends at Konabos, Akshay Sura & Kamruz Jaman. They invest time and effort in welcoming people into the community and keep you motivated to learn and contribute. I would also like to thank Dennis Augustine, Ken Gray, and Anindita Bhattacharya for the opportunity to share my knowledge across a wide number of community events. Last but not least – my mentor, my husband – Amit Gupta who has always encouraged and seen potential in me. I was his MVP the first day I met him, now it’s the time for the official title 😊. 

How do you achieve your Sitecore MVP Strategy? 

Share with the Community 

Sitecore MVP is all about being a part of that community. If you have learned a skill, then share those skills, and spread the knowledge. This knowledge can be in the form of a blog, a video, a PowerPoint presentation, white paper, or any form in which you are comfortable. 

Participate in Sitecore User Groups

It’s straightforward, you can be a part of different Sitecore User Groups, either as an organizer or as a speaker. I was a speaker at different Sitecore events. Trust me, it is a wonderful experience. You feel so much more confident once you share the knowledge that you possess. You can’t believe how much that knowledge is appreciated. I was always a Digital Marketing Trainer and have trained a lot of professionals in the past. I feel so happy when I see them doing so well in their careers. I felt equally happy when people came and told me that they learned a lot of new things with me. You get the feeling of being complete. 

Are you in Strategy?

If you are in a career where you strategize new plans/ideas, you are close to this recognition. As a digital marketing strategist, I help organizations understand the potential of their web assets, devise plans for them, and help them improvise on new ideas. You need to continue to do what you do well and you will reach there. 

Be an active part of the Sitecore community

It’s about the community after all. Joining the Sitecore community and playing an active role in it will take a little closer to your goal. So now as I am already feeling the power of all of us together as a community, I aim to be a part of this community more in 2022. If you are a strategist and have any questions on how you can be Sitecore MVP 2023, please feel free to contact me: Twitter: @rachnagupta LinkedIn