For most people, RISK is a dirty word. Something terrifying and unknown. But here on the Big Idea.. "Playing it safe" are the dirty words. Especially now, when times are tough and your instincts tell you to pull back. Risk is what powers SUCCESS... And embracing smart risk is the savvy move... even when everyone around you may be playing it safe. Click ahead for tonight's playbook to success!

Even on Wall Street's worst day, someone's buying. Smart investors don't run away from risk.. they embrace it. Because success never takes a year off, and risk can bring opportunity.. even in hard times.

Successful people all have one common thread running through their rise to the top -- they were not afraid to take risks. As is true in all things, the more you risk, the higher the reward. There are examples of this everywhere, check them out below!

Both Daymond John and John Paul DeJoria started with virtually nothing, except the hunger to succeed. They never let anything stand in their way and now they've built billion-dollar brands by taking risks and leaps of faith. If they did it, why can't you?

Have a Small Business question for Amilya Antonetti? Need advice about financing from Paul Lewis, or want to ask Mike Michalowicz a logistical question? Here's your chance... you can also find some great articles that can help you on your way to achieving your American Dream!