What has America learned from the Sydney Sweeney situation? We asked the experts

This article was originally published at CNN.com The great ongoing American conversation escalated into a great American bar fight this summer, as a long and increasingly unhinged national back-and-forth about race, politics, sexuality, the nature of both the Trump administration and fame itself was triggered by … a jeans ad. What happened? American Eagle released […]
When Personal Behavior Becomes Corporate Risk: What Every Business Must Know About Crisis Communications and PR

While most people are talking about the kiss cam behavior, my thoughts go somewhere else entirely—to the men and women whose careers, livelihoods, and reputations are tied to the success of the company led by the two individuals caught in that moment. For them, this isn’t entertainment. It’s uncertainty. Viral moments like this don’t just […]
Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives: Reputation Leads to Revenue

How Chambers and Their Members Can Promote and Protect Their Brands This article first appeared in the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Magazine: In today’s economy, trust is currency, and reputation is the engine that drives it. For chambers of commerce and the businesses they support, building a reputation is about prestige and performance. […]
Boca Aquarium or Jewelry Store? What This Viral Moment Teaches About Brand Integrity

What do tropical fish, kids in strollers, and luxury diamonds have in common? More than you’d think — if you recently searched “Boca Aquarium” on Google. The South Florida business behind the controversy, Diamonds by Raymond Lee, temporarily rebranded itself online as an “aquarium” — a tongue-in-cheek nod to the elaborate tanks inside its high-end […]
Secure the Summer: How High-Risk Retailers Can Protect Their Business and Brand

In today’s volatile climate, high-risk businesses are under pressure like never before. Physical threats, PR landmines, and a culture of instant outrage can take down even the most well-run operation. That’s why this summer, Synaptic is partnering with Sapphire Risk Advisory Group to bring you something that could change the way you lead: Secure the […]
The Three C’s of Five-Star Reviews

Culture, Consistency, Clickability Every business wants more five-star reviews. But most are going about it the hard way—chasing customers, over-automating the ask, or hoping that good service will speak for itself. Here’s the truth. If you want consistent, high-quality reviews from happy customers, you need a system. That system starts with what we call the […]
Marketing in 2025: Why Promotion Alone Isn’t Enough

For years, marketing has centered around one idea: Promote. Promote. Promote. Buy the course. Hire the expert. Run the ad. Get more visibility. Drive more traffic. Grow faster. And sure, that playbook has fueled a lot of growth for a lot of businesses. It’s also created a lot of noise—and a lot of pressure. But […]
More Than Networking: How Chambers Can Become a Lifeline for Local Businesses

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, small to mid-sized businesses face unprecedented challenges in managing their reputations. A single negative incident can escalate quickly, leading to significant financial and reputational damage. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, (Synaptic is a long-time member) 94% of consumers say a negative online reputation can make them avoid […]
The Power of Balance: Balanced Tactics for Future-Proof Results

When the world shifts, does your marketing strategy stand strong? By balancing traditional tactics like direct mail and referrals with digital tools like email and social media, your business can weather uncertainty and thrive. The best strategies don’t just connect—they empower your business to promote and protect its reputation, adapt to change, and build lasting […]
Full Reputation Repair from PR Shield

How PR Shield Helps Businesses Bounce Back from Reputation Challenges Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things go wrong. A wave of bad reviews, negative press, or a social media crisis can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to define your business. PR Shield’s Reputation Repair package is here to help you rebuild trust and reclaim your […]