Pretty much what @FluffyChicken said for me.
I just start with the cabling, arm tension, make sure the arms pull together at the same rate, centred etc. I like the M system too, gives you a very quick idea where the magic point is for the pads to hit the rim. Then tyre off, insert pads, hold pads together with one hand over the rim, nip them up with spanner in the other hand. Check it all, tighten it all down, then back of the main cable a touch for rim / pad clearance. Tyre back on, and it's usually pretty darn spot on.
Sometimes do pretty much the same for v-brakes too if the rim is narrow / brake track narrow.
I just start with the cabling, arm tension, make sure the arms pull together at the same rate, centred etc. I like the M system too, gives you a very quick idea where the magic point is for the pads to hit the rim. Then tyre off, insert pads, hold pads together with one hand over the rim, nip them up with spanner in the other hand. Check it all, tighten it all down, then back of the main cable a touch for rim / pad clearance. Tyre back on, and it's usually pretty darn spot on.
Sometimes do pretty much the same for v-brakes too if the rim is narrow / brake track narrow.