Tactics: The Exploding Offer

Alas, silence is golden, and now we’re moving into real trickery. The Exploding Offer is a close cousin of the Time Stamp and involves sending an e-mail to someone from whom you need permission, blessing, or implied endorsement. Rather than ask for a signature, or a formal reply, you simply assume all is cool unless you hear otherwise. Works particularly well with higher-ups overwhelmed with e-mail. In this exercise, silence = consent.

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To: Mr. Big, Manager Joe
From: Mr. Mack
CC: Distribution List
Subject: My Recommendation to Move Forward

So that’s the plan. Unless I hear from you or others, I’ll move ahead.