For the last several months, you’ve courted the top salesperson from one of your competitors. During the interviews, she has blown you away. She’s polished, knows the business and even shared that she can bring over a large book of business. The thought of her being on your team has you salivating…

The problem is that she wants a base salary that is 25% higher than what you have ever paid to a salesperson. If you don’t budge on your offer, she isn’t coming. Yet, if you meet her demand, the word will get out among your salespeople and it will be disastrous.

Your top salesperson has been with you five years, has a great attitude and has brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue. Plus, there are several others on the sales team who have performed at a similar level. While this candidate has the potential to be a rock star and you would love to have her on your team, you are struggling with what to do.

Is there a way to hire this rainmaker without creating problems with the rest of the sales team? If so, how would you do it?