Finding specialized talent is a challenge for everybody – and because some companies don't have the talent they need in-house, they've got to poach new hires from other businesses.

But maybe there's a different way.

A typical sales strategy works to usher customers through successive levels of salesmanship, taking them from prospective client to loyal, long term customer.

Why not approach talent development the same way? By constantly fostering existing talent, employers can develop their own specialists, without having to poach the best and brightest from other companies.

It's a strategy that requires a reallignment of priorities, but one that could be good for the longevity of companies large and small.

Read full article at Fortune.