In a scene reminiscent of the movie Body Snatchers, business professionals across America are being infiltrated one by one. Seemingly normal men and women are suddenly living double lives, leading dual careers. By day they serve as lawyers, restaurant owners, web designers, retail managers, and financial advisors; by night they peddle the wares of various network-marketing companies.

They walk among us, standing ready to present their exciting business opportunity to anybody who will listen. They could be your neighbor, your banker, your lawyer, or even your brother. There is no way to tell them apart, no way to see them coming. They could be watching you right now, presentation binder secretly stashed in their briefcase, eager to tell you about all of the money you could be making.

Thats right; the pyramid schemers are everywhere you look. Unknowingly, these business professionals have fallen victim to the sweet sound of the Sirens, the promise of making a quick buck, leading a more balanced life, spending more time with the family, and making more money than you know what to do with.

How can something so illogical attract even the most professional business men and women? While it may be too late for those who have already set sail on the jarring life of up-streams and down-streams, the rest of us stand to learn a valuable lesson.

That lesson is this: there is no way to make a quick buck. In fact, theres no way to make money. The only people who make money are those who work at the mint. The rest of us have to earn it.

Earning money means providing something that the community wants or needs. It means gaining the understanding, trust and support of the community at large. What the network marketing drones dont know is that you cannot be successful working dual careers.

You cannot earn a persons trust as a lawyer and then turn around and tell the same person you also sell sports drinks on a wholesale website. You cannot be a credible financial planner one minute and in the next offer an opportunity to make money selling satellite television service. Trying to work your networking marketing business in addition to your real job will confuse everybody and kill your credibility as a business professional.

Those who are drawn into the network marketing lifestyle seek something they currently do not have in their real jobs. Instead of producing the leadership, motivation and attitude necessary for success, they flock to recruiters who will provide it for them. They passively coast through their regular jobs until a recruiter shakes them up, and suddenly they are awakened with the vigor of a fresh college graduate.

Make the decision to provide yourself with the things you need. Surround yourself with people who are positive, motivational, and uplifting, but most importantly, be your own source of these great qualities. Without this internal foundation and confidence, you will try desperate ways to make a quick buck.

When your mind is in the right place, the right actions will follow. Youll be able to serve the community in such a way that you will earn the money you have always wanted.

The real business opportunity is the one that youve been neglecting while you sit at your desk daydreaming about the easy life. Instead of pouring your time and energy into something downright silly, invest your time and energy into becoming the best at what it is you love to do. Go after your dream with a passion that is frightening to those who lack the drive you feel. Make the decision to do what you love and love what you do. Make the choice to become what you have always wanted to become a success.

Find what you love, and the money will find you.