A Harvard Business Review article by Professor William K. Hall says that the most successful companies were those that best differentiated their product or service. A good way to differentiate is having the best reputation for quality and service.
My opinion is that your product has to be better than the products from your competitors. You need to have an USP, a so-called unique selling proposition. If you want to be successful in your job to start a successful career, you need to have a unique selling proposition. I think this is what Ogilvy had. It does not matter if you are a marketing director, advertising sales agent or somebody who is the man for taxation. You have to differ your potential against others. In the last years, more and more people are studying for better education and well paid jobs. Because of that, a lot of people have the same education, and you have to emphasize yourself against your competitors. I think Ogilvy was one of these persons who did this in a great way (without final degree).