Regardless of what's happening outside of their enterprises – with the economy, other businesses, or other people – self-employed entrepreneurs and small-enterprise owners must ensure their own vision and clarity, and navigate the common challenges, the ups and downs, that come with entrepreneurship.

The excitement and creativity of challenge, and the satisfaction that comes with persevering through challenge, is one of the reasons that most of these entrepreneurs opt for, and ultimately prefer, owning their own enterprise.

The experience can also seem somewhat isolating and even overwhelming at times, so helps to shore up the toolbox with helpful planning, guidance, and resources.

The full text of this article identifies and reviews eight crucial survive-and-thrive tips that help small-business entrepreneurs ease the way — or get back on track.