installing new SSD with no OS disks

[Panopticon]

Or did you mean hook up the SSD somehow before installing it in the Mini?

Yes. Every home should have a USB to SATA/IDE Adapter mile:
Like this $15 Kingwin from MicroCenter {seen them as low as $9}
http://www.microcenter.com/single_produc...id=0285941


OWC has a NewerTech USB 3.0 version for $22.50 in the Garage Sale!