As Stealth said, absolutely inveest in a Lineman's Belt for hanging stands. It will allow you to use both hands freely, making life much much easier when you're up in the air. I screw in a hook where I want the stand to be, and then hang my stand on that when I raise it, allowing for much easier connection of the strap. Also, I have all of my hooks connect on the same side, so I know when I'm up in the tree which way i'm going to be going around the three to connect the strap.
One thing I started doing this year which has made life a little easier is tying the platform and the seat together until I have the stand attached to the tree and the strap tightened sufficiently. I just use a piece of twine/rope and tie it in a bow, like you would for your shoes, and when I have the stand place, just untie the bow and the platform folds down, tightening the stand right up. Not having the platform flopping around is very nice, nor having to hold it up to tighten the strap.