Triangle Business Networking Monthly – October 2025

Triangle Business Networking Monthly

(a guide to networking events in the Triangle)

October 2025 Edition

Tips for Networking – I’d like to share a story of Larry and some of his networking experiences.  As some of us know, if you want to grow your net worth, you have to grow your network!  Obviously right?  But how exactly do we do that?  My name is Chris McIntyre and this newsletter is how we do that!  By meeting each other, genuinely figuring out how our businesses can help you, and combining ecosystems into idea powerhouses that can affect real, actual, and positive change in the world!! It starts with us.  Below are all of the networking events you DON’T WANT TO MISS in the Triangle area!   Now….What’s up with Larry?

Larry’s Legendary Networking Fails (and Wins!)

Larry Long considered himself an expert at eating free snacks. Networking? Not so much. “Hi, I’m Larry, and I once shook a celebrity’s hand… okay, it was the Chick-fil-A cow,” he blurted out at Midtown Networking Night, breaking the ice and making people laugh (Tip #1: introductions don’t have to be serious!).

He spotted Tanya juggling four business cards, a coffee, and her phone—all while attempting a handshake. Instead of the classic “What do you do?” sales pitch, Larry grinned and said, “Is this the professional juggling meetup?” Tanya snorted and spilled her coffee. They spent five minutes swapping “worst handshake” stories (Tip #2: relationships over transactions!).

Determined to improve, Larry returned for the next lunch event but forgot his wallet. No lunch, but plenty of napkins for notes! He still followed up with a message: “Great talking, sorry my lunch game was weak—promise to bring my wallet next time” (Tip #3: attend often, follow up, don’t fear awkward moments).

When Larry finally remembered business cards, he handed them out with coupons for imaginary free hugs. “Nobody ever left a networking event hungry for hugs!” he declared. Tanya laughed so hard she promised to refer her accountant friend. (Tip #4: bring value—even if it’s humor.)

And finally, Larry started setting goals: “Today, I’ll meet two new people and NOT spill my coffee.” By month’s end, his handshake was smoother (sort of), his contacts had doubled, and more people greeted him: “Hey, it’s the guy with the hugs!” (Tip #5: be intentional—even if your goals are quirky.)

So if Larry can network like a pro (after several epic fails), the Triangle’s working crowd and business folks can too. Just keep it real, keep it funny, and embrace even the awkward moments—because that’s how connections are made!

As I build my portfolio and hopefully help build yours, I am asking small business owners and entrepreneurs to take a small business survey we have designed.  This is to collect data from small businesses, about what their experience in our area is, and where the pain points are, to affect real change at a policy level with our local lawmakers.  You can find the survey here and I super appreciate you for doing it.  The end goal is to help all of us in our communities by addressing actual issues facing small businesses in the Triangle today.  It can be found here. 

SURVEY – Biggest Little Survey

1. Raleigh-Durham Triangle Networking Events – October 2025

Incredible Business Networking (IBN)

• North Raleigh Biz Lunch
  Tuesday, Oct 21; Noon–1pm; La Rancherita
  Requirements: Free/open; bring business cards; optional lunch purchase; bring a small door prize for spotlight.

BNI (Business Network International)

• The Morning Show BNI – Raleigh
  Wednesdays; 8–9:30am; Trinity Baptist Church, North Hills
  Requirements: Visitors welcome; RSVP preferred; bring business cards; only one member per profession.
• Local Chapter BNI Meeting (Snow Approach Foundation, Hillsborough)
  Tuesday, Oct 21; 8:15–10:30am
  Requirements: Free; RSVP online; bring business cards; all welcome.
• Triangle BNI Chapters
  Weekly, various locations (see TriangleBNI.com)
  Requirements: RSVP required; bring business cards; one member per profession.

Rotary Clubs

• Southwest Durham Rotary Meeting
  Thursdays, Oct 2, 23, 30; 12:30–1:30pm; University Club, Durham
  Requirements: RSVP preferred; guests welcome by connection to club members.
• Durham Great Bay Rotary
  Oct 1, 15; 7:30am; Various community guest speakers
  Requirements: RSVP with club online; guests/prospects welcome.
• Cary-Kildaire Rotary Triangle Oktoberfest Volunteer Shift
  Saturday, Oct 4; 2:30–5:30pm, Koka Booth Amphitheatre
  Requirements: Volunteer registration; open to community.

Chamber of Commerce – Raleigh

• Business After Hours
  October 2025 (date TBA, typically late month); Location TBA
  Requirements: Chamber members or invited guests; register online.

LinkedIn Local Raleigh Triangle

• McKimmon Conference and Training Center at NC State
  Friday, Oct 24; 11am–2pm; NC State, 1101 Gorman St, Raleigh
  Requirements: Register online ($23.18+); all ages; open to area business professionals; free parking.

Pro Tips:

• Always check organizer websites to confirm event details and requirements before attending.
• Bring plenty of business cards and prepare a short intro for every event.
• For most recurring events (IBN, BNI, Rotary), simply RSVP, show up, and network!

This curated list makes your October business networking plans clear and actionable for the newsletter audience. Here’s your clear, newsletter-friendly list of Raleigh-Durham Triangle business networking events for October 2025, with ease-of-attendance requirements shown next to each:

October 2025 Business Networking – Raleigh Durham Triangle

Incredible Business Networking (IBN)

• North Raleigh Biz Lunch
  Tuesday, Oct 21, Noon–1pm, La Rancherita
  Requirements: Free; open to all; bring business cards; optional lunch; bring a door prize for a chance to give a short business intro

BNI (Business Network International)

• The Morning Show BNI (Raleigh)
  Wednesdays, 8–9:30am, Trinity Baptist Church
  Requirements: Visitors welcome; RSVP preferred; bring business cards; only one member per profession
• BNI Chapter Meeting (Snow Approach Foundation, Hillsborough)
  Tuesday, Oct 21, 8:15–10:30am
  Requirements: Free; RSVP online; bring business cards; open to all
• Triangle BNI Chapters
  Weekly, various locations
  Requirements: RSVP online; bring business cards; one member per profession; check online for times/locations

Rotary Clubs

• Southwest Durham Rotary
  Thursdays, Oct 2, 23, 30, 12:30–1:30pm, University Club, Durham
  Requirements: RSVP preferred; guests welcome by member invitation
• Durham Great Bay Rotary
  October 1, 15, 7:30am, Durham
  Requirements: RSVP online; guests/prospects welcome
• Cary-Kildaire Rotary Oktoberfest Volunteer Shift
  Saturday, Oct 4, 2:30–5:30pm, Koka Booth Amphitheatre
  Requirements: Volunteer registration required; open to community

Chamber of Commerce – Raleigh

• Business After Hours
  October (date TBA), location TBA
  Requirements: Chamber members/guests; register online

LinkedIn Local Raleigh Triangle

• Friday, Oct 24, 11am–2pm, McKimmon Conference Center, NC State
  Requirements: Register online ($23.18+); open to all business professionals; all ages; free parking

Spotlight: RRR Exteriors—Home Care with Heart

When Chris McIntyre moved from Nevada to North Carolina, he brought a big dream and an even bigger heart for helping local families. He launched RRR Exteriors in April 2025, combining years of industry experience with a real passion for service and community. As a father of four and grandfather to three, Chris knows what “home” means to working families—and he treats every project as if he’s caring for his own.

Chris started out in roofing three years ago, rolling up his sleeves for another company and learning everything from shingles to storm claims. He quickly discovered the barriers families face when navigating insurance for roof replacements and repairs. That’s why at RRR Exteriors, Chris makes it his mission to guide clients through every step—ensuring peace of mind and zero stress on their journey to a better home.

RRR Exteriors isn’t your average company. Chris and his team provide complete home maintenance: roof replacement, pressure washing, window washing, driveway care, deck building, interior/exterior paint, flooring installs, window and siding replacement, and screened-in porches—just to name a few. Every service is backed by a “servant’s heart,” top-quality materials, and a drive to help people truly love where they live.

“Building my business is really building a legacy for my kids,” Chris says. “I want them—and every family we serve—to know what real quality and care feel like.” With RRR Exteriors, Triangle homeowners get a trusted neighbor, a skilled craftsman, and a dedicated partner in home care, rain or shine.