Well, it sounds like you are already on your way to a good connection with him, and it seems pretty natural to tell him just what you are saying here...that you and he seem to have some things in common, that he has 10 years of sobriety, and that you think he would be a great sponsor for you, if he has the time.

I don't think it matters when you ask him, but if you think he arrives early, then yes that makes sense. Otherwise you could try to catch him after, maybe ask him if he has a minute to talk.

What you thought of would be ideal, ask if he has time for a chat before or after the meeting or invite him to go for a coffee, then discuss what you want to do and ask if he is willing to help you.

He will probably be happy to say yes but he may be sponsoring others or have some other reason that he cannot at this time.

If that is the case, do not be regretful for asking, it is always a compliment to the person asked because it shows that you believe they have good sobriety.

It's good you have similar business backgrounds for easy rapport but there are other considerations worth investigating too.

You could ask him if he intends to use the Big Book to take you through the programme at the pace suggested. You could also ask him if he has had a spiritual awakening as the result of the steps. Does he have a sponsor in AA or a spiritual mentor in or out of AA himself? Spiritual growth is ongoing

AAs rely on spiritual living to stay sober, that means that until you too have had that spiritual awakening you will still be in danger of drinking.

Hello ConfusedGuy69,

The best approach is just to ask him straight out and either before or after a meeting are good times. He may decline to sponsor you for any one of a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with you, for example he may be sponsoring several people already. If he cannot be your sponsor do not take it personally as someone else will be put in your path.

The main purpose of a sponsor is to help you through the Twelve Steps and therefore he should have a good knowledge of the Big Book. You can learn a lot by listening to what he shares at meetings and by observing how he deals with other people, especially when dealing with difficult situations.

I have a sponsor. He has been sober for 10 years and is retired. He and I spoke at length after our meeting today which was BB reading. We read the first chapter about Bill and his experience. This brought up step 2 which I have been stuck on. I would consider myself spiritual but not religious. I hope to move to step three soon. I have another meeting tomorrow. I feel so blessed.

Good to hear you are moving forward through the Steps now with your sponsor!

Awesome:-) So great you have a sponsor. For me just the act of asking was humbling and helped me take the commitment to sobriety seriously. I love my sponsor; and I love that she doesnt let me rely on her. Instead she guides me based on her experience, strength and hope and her many years working with others. She's been an amazing resource to me in sobriety.
Let us know how the steps go. I loved the first time through them. it was like a new world was opening up -- -and actually that's what it continues to be like:)

Another (new) meeting tomorrow with my new sponsor. Am looking forward to meeting more new friends.

Congratulations. It was hard for me to humble and ask for a sponser. Always wanted to do everything on my own.

Great step toward solidifying your sobriety.

I say right on for that...your doing what the AA's before you have done to find successful recovery....yeay!