If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent way too much time chasing the “perfect” business idea, only to realize that success isn’t about chasing at all—it’s about paying attention to the problems right in front of you. That’s exactly what I took away from my conversation with Kevin Ball on Never Been Promoted. Kevin isn’t some theoretical entrepreneur; he’s lived through the highs and lows, made the mistakes, and, most importantly, figured out how to learn from them. He didn’t come in with a grand idea that changed the world. Instead, he noticed real problems—ones he had experienced himself—and built his business around solving them. It’s simple, but it works.
We dove deep into his journey during our chat, and two big lessons stood out. Let’s break them down, because I think they’re going to hit home for a lot of you.
Stop Hunting for Ideas—Focus on Solving Real Problems
One of the things Kevin made crystal clear is that successful businesses aren’t born from chasing some massive, world-changing idea. They come from solving problems that are personal, relatable, and real. His own coaching business, KBall LLC, wasn’t built on a fancy concept. It came from noticing how people in the tech industry—himself included—overlook critical “human” skills while focusing solely on their technical abilities.
Kevin said it best when he shared, “The closer you get to a pain point that you actually feel, the easier your path becomes.” This was a lightbulb moment for me. It’s not about dreaming up the next big thing—it’s about recognizing a pain you’ve personally dealt with, confirming that others are feeling it too, and building from there. That’s exactly how Kevin transitioned into coaching, by helping engineers who are fantastic with code but struggle when it comes to communicating or managing relationships. He lived that problem himself, so he knew how to solve it for others.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Solve a problem you’ve faced: If it’s a pain for you, it’s probably a pain for someone else. Kevin’s success came from addressing challenges he personally struggled with.
- You don’t need a groundbreaking idea: Focus on real, tangible problems, and build from there.
- Get out of your own head: Don’t guess what people need. Talk to them and find out what their problems are.
Entrepreneurship Isn’t a Solo Sport—Conversations Are Everything
The biggest lesson I walked away with from my chat with Kevin? Talk to people. This might sound simple, but it’s something that so many entrepreneurs skip over. They hide behind screens, try to figure it all out on their own, and then wonder why things aren’t taking off. Kevin didn’t make that mistake. He built his coaching business through real conversations with real people. He shared that his first clients didn’t come from cold outreach or ads—they came from people he already knew. He said, “There’s nothing more valuable than just getting in a conversation with someone.”
I can relate to this. Some of my best business ideas didn’t come to me while staring at a computer screen. They came after actual conversations with clients, friends, or even strangers who mentioned something they were struggling with. For Kevin, those conversations not only brought him clients but also helped him refine his services and understand what his target market actually needed.
What I Learned from His Experience:
- Talk first, then build: Don’t waste time trying to figure out everything on your own. Talk to people in your market and let their needs shape your business.
- Use your network: Your first clients are probably closer than you think. Start with the people you already know.
- Conversations are key to growth: Kevin constantly adjusted his offerings based on the feedback he got from talking to people.
Reflections from the Interview: Keep It Simple and Personal
Kevin’s entrepreneurial journey reminded me that you don’t need a complicated strategy to build something successful. What you do need is the ability to listen and adapt. He didn’t start with all the bells and whistles—he started with something bare bones, something real. He took his own pain points, connected with people who had similar problems and kept iterating. That’s what entrepreneurship looks like in the real world.
One of the best things Kevin said was: “Your tech skills get you into the room, but it’s your human skills that drive success.” It’s easy to get lost in what you think makes you valuable, but the truth is that success often hinges on skills we take for granted—like talking to people, negotiating, and understanding what drives them.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Simplicity wins: You don’t need a massive budget or fancy tools to start. Kevin’s lean approach shows that starting small can work just as well.
- Human skills are underrated: Whether it’s communication, negotiation, or empathy, these skills are what really set you apart.
- Iterate and evolve: Don’t get too attached to your first solution. As long as you’re solving a real problem, you can keep refining your approach.
- Be open to change: Kevin’s path wasn’t linear, and that’s okay. Every pivot led him closer to a business that worked.
- Don’t overthink it: Sometimes we make entrepreneurship harder than it needs to be. Kevin reminded me that all it takes is solving a real problem and talking to people about it.
Final Thoughts:
Kevin’s journey is a solid reminder that entrepreneurship is less about grand plans and more about keeping it real. It’s simple: solve a real problem, talk to people, and build from there. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Kevin didn’t waste time trying to perfect some elaborate system—he focused on what mattered and stayed adaptable. If you’re an entrepreneur, get out of your own way, stop overthinking, and have those conversations. Trust me, you’ll learn more from talking to people than from any fancy strategy you’re cooking up in isolation.
CONNECT WITH KEVIN BALL:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbal11/
Website: https://www.kball.llc/