Steven Zahm@ Virgil
The first place I suggest in starting is thoroughly following the steps outlined in the [Quick Start tutorial]. Perhaps give the Add an Entry and Add a Category tutorials a quick read.
I would then add a couple categories and entries so you become familiar with Connections.
To import your Excel using the CSV Import extension, you’ll first need to save the Excel file as a CSV file. I very highly recommend reading the CSV File Setup Requirements, the Tips and FAQs as those cover 99% of the issues users tend to run into.
You might also wish to opt into the CSV Import beta. YOu can do this by navigating to the Connections : Settings admin page and clicking the Betas tab. Adding a check to the CSV Import and saving will opt you in the beta. After you do that you would navigate to the WordPress Updates admin page and click the check again button. In most cases that will force WP to check for updates again so the CSV Import beta should show as an available update. You would update as normal. If it does not show up an update, you might have to wait up to a day before WordPress will show it.
After you’ve imported the CSV file, you would setup Link. Do this by following the Link configuration instructions.
Hope this helps!