Tamara Sanderson Dissanayake, MD found success in her business Timewise PDX with the help of PCC's Small Business Development Center. Tamara shares her story below.
Tell us about your business.
My business is called TimewisePDX. I offer time management and organizational support via personalized coaching and workshops based on a program I teach called Seeing My Time®. My end goal is to promote a clearer understanding of issues surrounding executive functioning (a set of skills that help us get things done) while helping my clients practice practical tools to overcome them.
What inspired you to start your business?
As a medical resident, I found that my time management skills needed some attention, which I found in the form of the Seeing My Time® program. Not only did I see a dramatic improvement in myself, I also saw similar results in a few patients when we addressed their time management and organizational skills in clinic. I eagerly accepted an offer to become a Seeing My Time® instructor. Armed with this training along with my own insights from clinic, I started TimewisePDX. My goal is to help other adults struggling with their time apply practical tools to address these issues and lead happier, less stressful, and fulfilling lives.
Before coming to the SBDC, what were you struggling with in your business?
I didn’t know where to begin setting up a business; I had never even pictured myself as a potential business owner. The SBDC helped me see a way to make use of my training in a productive way and was ready with just the right tools and support to help me convert my ideas into business.
What types of services did you receive and/or in which programs did you participate?
I started with an orientation to the SBDC where I met my business coach, Dr. Sean Harry. I continued to meet with Dr. Harry monthly and attended the Business Design Series.
How did the services or programs help you overcome your challenges?
The Business Design Series really helped me to develop the foundation of knowledge I needed to start and run my business. It was great to have an opportunity to meet other people with budding business ideas; my classmates were so inspiring! I continue to meet with one of them and it is wonderful to bounce ideas off each other. I have also gained so much insight and energy from my monthly meetings with Dr. Harry. He has been so instrumental to keeping me moving forward with this venture.
What have you done differently in your business since working with the SBDC?
One of the most valuable things I learned from both the class and working with Dr. Harry is a healthy appreciation for how to attract business via effective marketing. I have begun to apply some of the strategies I learned in the way I talk to people about the services I offer, network, advertise my events, and soon I will begin newsletters as well.
How is your business doing now?
It is growing everyday and I am thoroughly enjoying the process! It has been so heartwarming to learn about how workshop attendees and clients have successfully applied what they have learned to their own lives and the pride they express in being able to tackle long-standing issues. I also am continuing to explore new ways to spread knowledge about time management and self-care strategies, such as offering workplace workshops and even home workshops to groups of friends.
What would you say to other small business owners thinking of working with the SBDC?
Whenever I hear someone hinting at a fledgling business idea, I encourage them to reach out to SBDC.
