Jana Abou Shakra

Social Media Account Manager at Netizency

Whenever someone asked me about whated I want to be when I grow up, I always ended up saying that in the future, there will be something new that I will be doing. And that something turned out to be social media. Although my background and studies are in engineering, marketing (to all my family’s surprise) turned out to be my passion.

Working with big brands allowed me to unleash far more than my creativity. Throughout every piece of content, a story is crafted and told; stemming from my love for words and poetry and my desire to create an impact. There is nothing better than the world of social media to create the biggest ripples with an unlimited reach. From behind small and big screens, we shape perceptions, ignite conversations, and spark change. 

Engineering is still present in what I do. The foundation is there, the strategy is there. Both fields are all about building something that adds value, and with calculated strategies, I’m able to build campaigns that are both creative and rooted in data.

My current role at Netizency allows me to bring out all this and more. Working with Lenovo, Motorola, and Marks & Spencer has provided me with invaluable experiences, fueling my passion for creating meaningful connections with audiences across diverse digital platforms.

About her thoughts for the industry

People don’t want ads. I know that because I skip them every time I can.

This statement isn’t a rejection of marketing, it’s a call for a smarter approach.

Native advertising is not a new concept, but now, and with the way we consume content, it’s more important to become relatable and to add value. This is easy to say, but much harder to do. 

With the rise of various platforms, brands are finding it more difficult to keep up and it’s normal to tend to want to be everywhere and do everything all at once. This is where a carefully crafted strategy, with business goals aligned with social goals, comes into place. No longer can businesses afford to view their social media presence as a standalone entity; instead, it must be seamlessly integrated into broader business strategies. This shift in mindset ensures that every action on social media contributes meaningfully to the bottom line. The focus should be on maximizing the impact on platforms that resonate with your target audience and goals. 

The fundamental principles of marketing being about people, not just products, remain as relevant as ever, if not more so in today’s digital landscape. Despite the advancements in technology and new marketing channels, the essence of human connection and authenticity continues to be the driving force behind successful marketing strategies. It’s essential to strike a balance between data-driven strategies and maintaining the human touch. While data can provide valuable insights, it’s the human element—empathy, creativity, and emotional intelligence—that breathes life into marketing campaigns and the connections with consumers.