Some basic tips that work for me:

* Steel core tire levers. Definitely worth the money;

* Talcum powder on the inner tube. Makes everything slide easier, and makes it harder for the bead to catch and pinch before inflation;

* Try installing the tires outside, in the sun. Lay the tires in the sun for about 20 minutes before mounting. I've found this helps make them pliable;

* And yes, the tires are always easier to mount the second time around.