Show Notes: Sam Toles: From Hollywood to City Hall: Transforming Municipal Social Media Episode 135 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Join Seth Winterhalter and Sam Toles, CEO of CiviSocial, for an innovative exploration of municipal communications in the digital age. Drawing from his extraordinary career spanning Hollywood studios, social media platforms, and local government, Sam shares transformative insights about authentic storytelling, modern engagement strategies, and empowering city staff to become effective content creators.

Key Takeaways

• Why traditional media approaches no longer serve local governments effectively
• The power of authentic, staff-driven video content in building community trust
• How to transform municipal communications without adding new staff
• Understanding the evolution from Social Media 1.0 to 2.0
• The surprising trust advantage local governments have over traditional media
• Strategies for empowering young staff members as content creators

Career Highlights Discussed

• Executive roles at major entertainment companies including MGM and Bleacher Report
• Experience as an elected City Council member
• Creation of innovative social media strategies for major brands
• Work with leading content creators including MrBeast
• Transition from entertainment industry to municipal consulting
• Development of municipal-focused social media training programs

Leadership Insights

• How to identify and empower natural content creators within your staff
• Converting technical information into engaging stories
• Building authentic connections through video content
• Managing political dynamics in municipal communications
• Transforming PIOs from content creators to content strategists
• Leveraging trust in local government for better engagement

Key Concepts Covered

• The shift from text-based to video-based social media
• Why comments matter less than shares in modern social media
• How to use AI tools effectively in municipal communications
• The importance of authentic, personal storytelling
• Strategies for breaking down departmental communication silos
• Building a sustainable content creation culture in local government

Connect With Sam Toles

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/samtoles1/
• Website: www.CiviSocial.com

Resources Mentioned

• The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free
• Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here
• Visit www.haltingwinter.com for more resources

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
• Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

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