[m_mueller]

> keep looking ahead while ignoring the hand wavers

Could you expand on this a bit? It's the first time I read that phrase - it could be because English isn't my first language. What do you mean with 'hand wavers', people complimenting you on your work without making concrete offers / becoming customers?

[mdpye]

Just people trying to attract your attention (by waving their arms above their head, figuratively)

[JonnieCache]

m_mueller is correct thought that "hand-waving" can mean being deliberately vague or evasive, especially in the context of describing mathematical processes.