In a few hours, much of the population of the US will be living it up for the July 4th weekend. Despite their parties, cook-outs, boating events, time at the cabin, and community celebrations, you'll be at work, perhaps even on July 4th itself.

So how can you make the most of this holiday weekend, since you have to be at work? Here are my three suggestions to help you make the weekend count:

1. Don't be negative.

Okay, I know you'd rather be swimming or golfing or partying with your friends. But dude, you've got to work, so accept it. Sulking around the store won't help you sell anything. It will be bad karma, customers will detect it, and you'll waste your weekend. The only thing worse than having to work on a holiday weekend is having to work and not selling anything.

2. Shoppers are out for a reason.

There will be tons of people shopping this weekend in the retail marketplace. Why? They want to buy something. Those who aren't out boating or visiting family who are shopping want to spend money. Would you rather have them spend money with you, or your competitor? Remind yourself that when shoppers are out, you have potential sales staring you int eh face.

3. Since you can't be at the party, bring the party to your store.

Make the shopping experience fun for your shoppers. Welcome them. Ask them about their plans for the weekend. Engage your customers. Smile a lot. Be festive. There will be plenty of droopy, negative retail salespeople working this weekend, just make sure you're not one of them.

- - - - - - - - - -

Skip Anderson is the Founder of Selling to Consumers Sales Training, a consulting and retail training organization working with retailers and individuals to maximize sales performance and the customer experience.Skip is a public speaker and an authority on customer engagement. Listen to Skip's sales podcast and read his widely read sales training blog. Follow Skip Anderson on Twitter.