Often, a sponsor logs in on their mobile, or, while taking a 5 minute break in the bathroom. (really guys? you nasty...)  Which means they have time to check their mail and what not, but, not necessarily deal with a new member doing jobs and waiting to talk to sponsors about associate opportunities.

Sooooo enter the "Sponsor: Off/On" toggle that resides to the right of the clock at the top of your screen.

If you are a sponsor and want to be on the game, but not trigger the job activity board or do your sponsor duties - you can toggle Sponsor: to Off which means as far as the game is concerned that you are not an active online sponsor.  When you are ready to resume your sponsor duties, click Sponsor: to toggle it back to On.