One of the key parts of this is automation. Automate what you can to make it repeatable. This reduces the possibilities of human error which is something we endeavour to minimise as much as possible because it is our greatest weakness (as well as being our greatest strength - adaptability being the converse). Remove as much doubt as possible and, yes...

...get build and deployment sorted out early on. This means it can be sorted out when the deployment is at its simplest, when there is the least commercial pressure and when stakeholders have the most goodwill (the hiccups of early deployments will be countered by the continually successful deployments thereafter).

As for early deployment being a mark of a professional, I think that it can be a little harsh. Perhaps the desire for early deployment is the mark of a professional?