Today's Outrage: GE Outplayed By Siemens

General Electric(GE Quote) used to be a role model for other companies with its sharp management and great public relations.

German rival Siemens,(SI Quote) however, learned from the master and is now outplaying GE.

Today's announcement by Siemens that it expects $21 billion in orders over the next three years thanks to global government stimulus programs is three kinds of smart.

First, Siemens is making it clear that it wants to be the go-to company for governments, including the U.S., where it expects to receive as much as $8 billion in orders related to stimulus spending.

Second, the German industrial, telecommunications and engineering conglomerate is letting its investors know that it is in the game and will benefit from the stimulus even as private-sector spending tapers off.

And third, Siemens is stoking the public optimism and reinforcing the point of all the stimulus programs - which is to reassure consumers that everything is going to work out and they shouldn't be afraid to spend.

Well played, Siemens. Too bad GE and other American companies haven't figured this out. Did I miss the PR offensive from Tyco(TYC Quote) or Caterpillar(CAT Quote)?

Now, with all the economic challenges, is the perfect time to position a company for growth on the rebound.

Let's go, corporate America. Get in the game.